My family likes to watch American Idol. Except for my son, our family is fairly musically bent, and my daughter has dreams of being a singer one day. My son, though not interested in music, likes the competition aspect of the show.
Last night, as we were watching, I started thinking about lessons that could be learned from American Idol. I came up with a few.
Listen to the Experts
I have a love/hate relationship with the American Idol early auditions. It’s a pleasure to listen to the good singers, but my ears hurt when the awful singers come out. When a truly terrible singer performs, it’s not unusual to hear one of the judges say, “You’re not cut out for this.” It’s painful to hear, but the advice is correct.
In the same way, it pays to listen to good, sound financial advice. Sometimes we’re so blinded by what we want, that conventional wisdom goes out the window. If reputable financial sources tell you that you can’t afford a new car payment of $400 a month, you should probably listen. Even if it’s painful.
Perseverance Pays
Last year Lacey Brown made it to Hollywood, but didn’t make the top 24. She worked hard, auditioned again, and this year she had a chance to perform in front of a live audience as part of the top 24. I have no idea what the future holds for her, but she’s making progress in her music career.
Sometimes, in the financial world, you’ll hear the word “no.” Unlike the previous example, this “no” doesn’t mean “you’re not cut out for this.” This “no” means “you’re not ready yet.” Persevere. Keep trying.
Harry Potter was rejected 12 times, before J.K. Rowling finally found a publisher to take a chance on it. Milton Hershey failed in the candy business three times, before succeeding with Hershey’s. Hearing the word “no” stings. But step back from your emotions, learn from your mistakes, and use the experience to help you succeed when you try again.
Prepare for the Unthinkable
In the 5th season of American Idol, Chris Daughtry was a favorite to win. He made it to the final four. But then American Idol viewers and judges alike were stunned when he received the least amount of votes and was eliminated from the competition.
Sometimes life will be going along swimmingly. You’re at the the top of your career. Your finances are in great shape. But then the unthinkable happens, and you didn’t see it coming. Maybe you lose your job. Maybe a natural disaster hits, and you lose everything you own. Be prepared. Have a backup plan. Make sure you have an emergency fund. Nothing in life is guaranteed.
Also remember that the unthinkable, as bad as it is, is not the end of the world. Chris Daughtry went on to form the band Daughtry, which is a smashing success. You, too, can bounce back from the unthinkable.
You Don’t Have to be Number One
Ruben Studdard won the 2nd season of American Idol, but runner-up Clay Aiken was the contestant that went on to make a name for himself as a singer.
You can be a success, even if you aren’t the best. Today there’s a lot of pressure to be number one. But unless you’re trying to get elected to public office, sometimes number two or even number 10 is good enough. There are enough opportunities in this world to spread success around. Work hard. Have Integrity. Be the best that you can be, and don’t worry about everyone else.
Photo by anyjazz65.
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Excellent post. Simple lessons, easy to remember and acting on them is very do-able.
Thanks for the post. These are simple lessons but not always easy to enforce. Perseverance is easier said than done.
Always nice to hear a Milton Hershey shout-out! :-)