KRIS JENNER: The Untold Story of Family, Love, and Forgiveness
In this episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty speaks with Kris Jenner about her path to success and her guiding principles. From her early years working in retail to her current role managing her family's media empire, Jenner shares how the entrepreneurial spirit of her mother and grandmother, combined with her diverse work experiences, shaped her career trajectory.
The conversation explores Jenner's approach to family dynamics and personal balance. She discusses her methods for maintaining harmony among her children, including fostering non-competitive relationships and keeping open communication with extended family members. Jenner also reveals her strategies for managing stress, such as using the "Rule of 12" and her "Perspective Scale," while emphasizing the role of spirituality and gratitude in her daily life.
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1-Page Summary
Kris Jenner's Formative Years and Early Life Experiences
Kris Jenner's early life was shaped by the entrepreneurial influence of her mother and grandmother, who both ran successful candle stores. Their daily routines of early rising and dedicated work ethic left a lasting impression on Jenner, who witnessed firsthand the importance of career satisfaction and independence.
Kris Jenner's Career Journey and the Lessons Learned
Before becoming a media personality, Jenner worked various jobs including positions at a candle store, donut shop, clothing store, and as a flight attendant for American Airlines. She credits these diverse experiences with teaching her valuable organizational and people skills. Jay Shetty notes that Jenner's willingness to embrace every role, even scrubbing donut glaze off floors, contributed to her later success.
In managing her career challenges, Jenner relies heavily on prayer and spirituality. She shares that she begins and ends each day with prayer, seeking guidance and peace, particularly before important events.
Kris Jenner's Approach to Parenting and Family
Jenner has cultivated a non-competitive family atmosphere, encouraging each child's individual passions while maintaining strong family bonds. She reveals that from age 16, she dreamed of having six children, and strategically involved older children in caring for younger siblings to foster close relationships.
Her approach extends beyond immediate family, as she maintains open relationships with her children's partners and ex-partners, emphasizing forgiveness and unity. She believes in handling family matters privately and maintaining communication to better understand others' perspectives.
Kris Jenner's Personal Values and Life Perspectives
To maintain balance in her fast-paced life, Jenner employs strategies like Dr. Amen's "Rule of 12," which advises only getting upset after the twelfth occurrence of a problem. She also uses a "Perspective Scale" to keep daily challenges in context. Drawing from her regular church attendance and spiritual foundation, Jenner emphasizes the importance of gratitude and teaching her children and grandchildren to be good human beings.
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Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Dr. Daniel Amen is a psychiatrist known for his work on brain health and mental wellness. The "Rule of 12" is a coping strategy he recommends to reduce stress by delaying emotional reactions until a problem has occurred multiple times. This approach helps people avoid overreacting to minor or one-time issues. It encourages patience and perspective in managing daily challenges.
- The "Perspective Scale" is a mental tool used to evaluate the significance of problems or events. It helps individuals rank issues from minor annoyances to major crises. By doing this, it prevents overreacting to small problems and maintains emotional balance. This method encourages focusing energy on truly important matters.
- Jay Shetty is a well-known motivational speaker, author, and former monk who shares insights on personal growth and success. His opinion on Jenner's work ethic matters because he is respected for understanding the habits and mindsets that lead to achievement. Shetty often analyzes public figures to highlight lessons others can learn. His endorsement adds credibility to Jenner's story of perseverance and humility.
- "Embracing every role" means fully accepting and committing to all tasks, regardless of how small or menial they seem. It involves showing a positive attitude and dedication in each job, which builds strong work habits and skills. This approach helps develop resilience and adaptability, key traits for future success. Jenner's willingness to do all tasks, even low-level ones, demonstrated her strong work ethic early on.
- Daily prayer routines often serve as a spiritual anchor, providing individuals with a sense of peace and guidance. For many, including Kris Jenner, prayer is a way to reflect, seek strength, and prepare mentally for the day ahead. It can also foster resilience by promoting mindfulness and emotional balance. This practice is rooted in religious traditions that emphasize communication with a higher power for support and clarity.
- Maintaining relationships with children's partners and ex-partners helps create a supportive and stable family environment. It reduces conflict and models forgiveness and respect for children. This approach can ease co-parenting and foster better communication among all adults involved. It also helps children feel secure and valued despite changes in relationships.
- A "non-competitive family atmosphere" means creating an environment where family members support each other rather than compete for attention or success. It involves encouraging individual strengths without comparing achievements or fostering rivalry. Practically, this can include praising each child's unique talents and promoting teamwork in family activities. The goal is to build strong, cooperative relationships that prioritize love and understanding over competition.
- Jenner's mother and grandmother running candle stores illustrates a family tradition of entrepreneurship and hard work. This background highlights the early exposure Jenner had to business management and customer service. It also explains the foundation of her strong work ethic and independence. Their success provided a model for Jenner's own career ambitions.
- Kris Jenner's strategy of involving older children in caring for younger siblings is rooted in fostering responsibility and nurturing skills early on. This approach helps build strong emotional bonds and teamwork within the family. It also encourages empathy and mutual support among siblings. Such involvement can prepare children for future leadership and caregiving roles.
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Kris Jenner's Formative Years and Early Life Experiences
Kris Jenner's upbringing and early life experiences were deeply influenced by the strong entrepreneurial spirit of her mother and grandmother, imparting essential values of hard work and independence.
Influenced by Entrepreneurial Mother and Grandmother, Kris Jenner Valued Hard Work and Development
Kris Jenner was raised in a family where the value of work and career satisfaction were key aspects of their lifestyle. Her mother and grandmother, both successful businesswomen, played an inspirational role in her life. They embodied strength, intelligence, and the ability to balance career and home life effectively. Jenner's grandmother, an accountant, opened a candle store called Candle Abra in La Jolla, California, while her mother also became an entrepreneur with a candle store on Gerrard Street.
Their daily routine involved rising early, enjoying coffee and breakfast, and dressing elegantly for a day's work. This ritualistic approach to their careers left an indelible mark on Jenner, who speaks about the satisfaction of completing a workday. Such an ethic was instilled in her from a young age.
Kris's Early Roles, From Gift Wrapper to Flight Attendant, Gave Her Valuable Organization and People Skills
Kris Jenner took valuable lessons from her family throughout her formation years. Her grandmother and mother worked into their 80s, with Jenner noting that work provided them with a sense of purpose and s ...
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Kris Jenner's Formative Years and Early Life Experiences
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Clarifications
- Kris Jenner is a well-known American television personality and businesswoman. She gained fame as the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, featured on the reality TV show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." Her early life is noteworthy because it shaped her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial skills, which contributed to her later success. Understanding her background helps explain how she became a powerful figure in entertainment and business.
- La Jolla is an affluent seaside community in San Diego, California, known for its scenic coastline and upscale shops. Gerrard Street is a common street name found in various cities, often associated with commercial or residential areas. The mention of these locations highlights the geographic and cultural settings where Kris Jenner's family businesses operated. This context emphasizes the entrepreneurial environment influencing her upbringing.
- Owning a candle store represents a small business venture requiring skills in product creation, marketing, and customer service. It exemplifies entrepreneurship by demonstrating initiative, risk-taking, and management of daily operations. Such businesses often serve as a foundation for financial independence and personal fulfillment. This type of enterprise also reflects adaptability and creativity in meeting consumer needs.
- Working as a gift wrapper develops precision, creativity, and attention to detail. Being a flight attendant enhances communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills. Both roles require organization, patience, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. These experiences build interpersonal skills and adaptability useful in many careers.
- The Christmas present wrapping contest symbolizes family unity and tradition, reinforcing bonds through shared activities. It reflects the value placed on creativity, skill, and attention to detail within the family. Such contests often serve as a fun, competitive way to celebrate the holiday and honor ...
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Kris Jenner's Career Journey and the Lessons Learned
Kris Jenner's career is a testament to the notion that success is not just about a linear path, but also about the diverse experiences that contribute to personal and professional growth.
Kris's Career Wasn't Linear but a Series Of Shaping Experiences Into a Successful Businesswoman and Media Personality
Kris Jenner had a humble beginning, working in a candle store, a donut shop, her mother's clothing store, and as a flight attendant for American Airlines before rising to fame as a media personality and entrepreneur. She credits these jobs with teaching her valuable life and professional skills, such as organizational and people skills, social intelligence, and personal service.
Jenner speaks about the importance of adopting a mindset of learning, where she absorbed information like a sponge and surrendered to the process of understanding various trades. Jay Shetty echoes this perspective by mentioning Jenner’s experience of scrubbing donut glaze off the floor as emblematic of her willingness to embrace every role and the lessons it brought.
Kris's Openness to New Opportunities and Willingness to Learn From Every Job Allowed Her to Develop a Versatile Skillset That Translated To Her Later Success
Kris Jenner elaborates on how each of her early jobs contributed to her knowledge base. She invested in learning, negotiation, punctuality, and perseverance, even when faced with rejection. These skills honed through diverse work experiences became the foundation upon which she built her later success as a businesswoman in the demanding entertainment industry.
Kris's Spiritual Approach to Decision-Making Guides Her Growth Through Triumphs and Challenges
Jenner's personal growth and approach to facing both achievements and setbacks have been significantly influenced by her spiritual practices.
Kris's Faith in Prayer a ...
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Kris Jenner's Career Journey and the Lessons Learned
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Counterarguments
- While Kris Jenner's diverse early career experiences are highlighted as foundational, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone can translate such experiences into significant success in the entertainment industry, as it often requires a combination of opportunity, timing, and connections.
- The narrative emphasizes the value of menial jobs in building character and skills, but it could be argued that systemic issues often trap individuals in low-wage jobs, limiting their ability to transition to more lucrative careers.
- The text suggests that continuous learning and embracing every role is a path to success, but it doesn't address the role of privilege, resources, and support systems that can significantly impact one's ability to leverage such experiences.
- The focus on Jenner's spiritual practices as a guiding force for her resilience and decision-making might overlook other factors such as strategic thinking, market understanding, and professional support that also play critical roles in navigating the entertainment industry.
- The emphasis on pra ...
Actionables
- You can diversify your skill set by taking on a variety of part-time jobs or volunteer positions. By working in different industries or roles, even for a short period, you'll gain a broad range of skills and experiences. For example, volunteering at a local charity can teach you about non-profit management, while a retail job can enhance your customer service and sales abilities.
- Develop a personal growth journal to document the lessons and skills you acquire from each experience. After each job or role, write down what you learned, how it could apply to other areas of your life, and how it has contributed to your personal development. This reflection can help you recognize patterns in your learning and identify how diverse experiences contribute to your overall growth.
- Incorporate a daily practice of mindfulness o ...
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Kris Jenner's Approach to Parenting and Family
Kris Jenner's parenting has been instrumental in shaping a unique family dynamic, resonating with themes of supportive encouragement, understanding, and growth. Her approach fosters passion while emphasizing the importance of strong familial bonds and maintaining compassionate relationships.
Kris's Commitment to Fostering Passions and a Supportive Family Dynamic
Kris Jenner talks proudly about the non-competitive atmosphere within her family. It's clear from her reflections that she appreciates her children's work ethic, focus, determination, and ability to create structure and find peace. This commitment to each other is not only a matter of blood relations but also extends to a pledge to support one another's passions, celebrating each member's successes, be it in their individual or collective endeavors.
Kris's Strategy For Family Expansion Fostered Close Relationships, Creating Strong Bonds and Collaboration Within the Kardashian-Jenner Clan
From the earlier years, Kris intended to create a close-knit family environment. She specifically mentions that from as young as 16, she dreamed of a large family, ideally having six children. This dream was realized, and her strategy for family expansion has led to strong bonds and collaboration within the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
Jenner also speaks to the importance of familial bonds, including after her divorce, ensuring the children's father remained involved in family celebrations and everyday life. She took pride in the joy of bringing more children into the world, keeping the older children involved in the care of the younger ones, which she notes as a special aspect of a bigger family.
Kris's Ability to Maintain Compassionate Relationships With Her Children's Partners and Ex-partners In Challenging Circumstances Shows Her Emphasis on Forgiveness and Unity
Kris's Belief in Love and Acceptance Fosters Understanding In the Kardashian-Jenner Family
Jenner extends her heart beyond her immediate family, maintaining open and forgiving relationships with her children's partners and ex-partners. Her inclusive approach underlines her belief in forgiveness and unity, contributing to a family dynamic that values love, acceptance, and understanding despite challenging times.
Kris emphasizes the importance of communication as a means of truly comprehending where someone is coming from and fosters an environment where even contentious issues are handled internally and privately. She finds it essential to understand and ...
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Kris Jenner's Approach to Parenting and Family
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Counterarguments
- While Kris Jenner's non-competitive family atmosphere is praised, it could be argued that the very public nature of the family's life, with reality shows and media exposure, inherently creates competition for the spotlight and personal branding.
- The emphasis on strong work ethic and determination may sometimes come at the cost of personal privacy and pressure to succeed in the public eye, which can be challenging for individual family members.
- The idea of fostering strong familial bonds is commendable, but it's worth noting that the family's interactions and dynamics are often part of their brand and business model, which may influence the authenticity of those relationships.
- Intentionally planning for a large family and maintaining close-knit relationships is a personal choice, but it's not necessarily a model that can or should be universally applied or idealized.
- The strategy for family expansion and the resulting collaboration might not solely be attributed to family planning but also to the shared business interests and the benefits of a collective public image.
- Maintaining involvement with an ex-partner is complex and may not always result in positive outcomes for all families, depending on individual circumstances.
- Encouraging older children to care for younger siblings can be beneficial, but it's important to ensure that it doesn't lead to excessive responsibility or overshadow their own needs and childhood experiences.
- While maintaining compassionate relationships with ex-partners is positive, it's also important to acknowledge that in some situations, boundaries are necessary for the well-being of all parties involved.
- The belief in love, acceptance, and forgiveness is noble, but it's also crucial to recognize that these values must be balanced with personal boundaries and self-respect.
- Handling contentious issues privately is generally a good practice, but transparency and accountability are also important, especially when the family's life is so public and can influence societal norms.
- An open-door policy for ex-partners is generous, but it may not always be ...
Actionables
- You can create a family mission statement together that emphasizes unity and support, where each member contributes ideas and values they believe are important for the family culture. Gather everyone for a family meeting, discuss what values like love, acceptance, and support mean to each person, and then craft a statement that reflects these shared values. Display this statement prominently in your home as a daily reminder of your family's commitment to each other.
- Start a monthly 'Family Showcase' night where each family member gets the opportunity to share something they're passionate about or have achieved, fostering a non-competitive atmosphere that celebrates individual successes. This could be anything from a new recipe they've tried, a project at school or work, or a hobby they're improving in. The key is to listen actively, ask questions, and show genuine interest and pride in each other's endeavors.
- Implement a 'Family Su ...
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Kris Jenner's Personal Values and Life Perspectives
Kris Jenner shares her approaches to balance, gratitude, and spirituality, offering a glimpse into the personal values and life perspectives that underpin her dynamic career and family life.
Kris's Pursuit of Balance, Patience, and Gratitude Amid Career Demands
Kris Adopts the "Rule of 12" and "Perspective Scale" to Stay Calm Amid Modern Life's Distractions
Kris Jenner talks about the challenges of staying present in a fast-paced world, pointing out that it's easy to become distracted and miss out on truly savoring moments. She speaks about the need to "edit" one's life, focusing energy, heart, and soul on what truly brings joy and peace. Gratitude, for Jenner, is a conscious practice woven throughout all aspects of life.
Jenner is actively learning patience and avoids losing her temper over things beyond her control, focusing instead on renegotiating and handling challenges calmly. She shares insights from Dr. Amen, who provided her with the "Rule of 12" — a strategy advising her to only get upset after the twelfth occurrence of a problem, which has effectively helped her manage reactions to situations and practice patience. Additionally, Jenner uses a "Perspective Scale" to keep daily problems in perspective, aiding her in fostering gratitude and maintaining calmness in the midst of life's challenges and distractions.
Kris's Strong Spiritual Foundation and Focus On Communication, Compassion, and Forgiveness Nurture Deep, Meaningful Family Relationships
Jenner emphasizes the importance of communication, compassion, and forgiveness in creating deep, meaningful family relationships. She discusses the struggle of managing strong emotions associated with these values and describes herself as a "big softie," indicating her emotional sensitivity and the importance she places on being in touch with her feelings.
She aims to teach her children and grandchild ...
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Kris Jenner's Personal Values and Life Perspectives
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Counterarguments
- The "Rule of 12" might not be practical in all situations, as some problems may require immediate attention and cannot be ignored until the twelfth occurrence.
- Using a "Perspective Scale" could potentially minimize issues that require urgent attention, leading to procrastination or negligence.
- The practice of gratitude, while beneficial, may not always be easy to maintain, especially during times of extreme stress or hardship.
- The concept of "editing" one's life to focus on joy and peace could be seen as a privilege that not everyone can afford, especially those in challenging circumstances.
- The emphasis on patience might overlook the importance of timely responses and the need to address issues as they arise.
- While communication, compassion, and forgiveness are important, they must be balanced with boundaries and the ability to address toxic or harmful behaviors within family dynamics.
- Describing oneself as a "big softie" could be interpreted as a lack of firmness or assertiveness, which are also important qualities in maintaining healthy relationships.
- Teaching children and grandchildren to be good human beings is a noble goal, but the definition of "good" can be subjective and culturally ...
Actionables
- Create a "Joy Journal" to document what makes you happy, focusing on the simple pleasures in life. Each day, write down three things that brought you joy, no matter how small. This practice can help you identify and prioritize activities that truly make you feel content and peaceful.
- Develop a "Family Compassion Project" where each family member commits to one act of kindness or understanding per week. This could be anything from writing a heartfelt note to a family member, volunteering together, or simply listening without judgment. Share your experiences during a weekly family meal to encourage deep connections and a culture of compassion.
- Establish a "Gratitude Alarm" on your phone to go off at t ...
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