My Super-Charged Life

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We can learn some things about winning in life from observing others.  I watched the American Idol Finale last night with my wife and daughters.  It was interesting watching David Cook walk away as this year’s American Idol.  I’m a very casual watcher of Idol, so I didn’t really care much who won.  This gave me the opportunity to watch the show as an objective observer rather than as a fan.  As I did this, there were a few things that occurred to me that I think American Idol can teach us about winning.

1.  Extraordinary things CAN happen.

Winners stick their necks out and try things because they believe it is possible to win and win big.  It takes some real guts to audition for American Idol.  You could be made a fool of on national television.  Admit it.  The only reason that anyone watches the beginning auditions of Idol is to see Simon crush a few people.  If you want to win big in life, you have to believe that winning big is possible.  David Cook is a believer!

2.  Winning takes stamina.

Winning anything meaningful in life usually takes time and is a result of a lot of hard work.  We often don’t hear about all the effort that went into winning, but when you examine the stories of winners, you often find they disciplined themselves, tried for years, and finally got the big pay off.  American Idol seems like a long, grueling contest.  I imagine that part of what determines the winner is their stamina.  A couple of weeks ago, I thought David Cook was waning, but he held in there to the end and gave great performances when it counted.  We have to do the same to win.

3.  Creativity is a key advantage.

I think that one of the things that set David Cook apart from David Archuleta and the other contestants was his creativity.  He wasn’t afraid to mix things up a bit.  He always seemed to put his own unique twist on everything he did.  This helped him to set himself apart.  Winners are trailblazers.  They use creativity and innovation to take what is common and make it new again.  Very few big ideas are solely original.  You just have to do things a little better than the competition to be a winner.  Simple enough, right?

4.  Winning often comes when least expected.

As I understand it, David Cook went to the audition in support of his brother.  Producers had to coax him into auditioning.  Can you imagine?  Think of all the bounty that Cook will receive from being the American Idol and he didn’t even go expecting to audition!  Winners, when asked, often say that they were just in the right place at the right time.  Of course, when the time arises you have to be able to perform, but you never know when your big break might occur.  We should always be on the lookout for your next great opportunity.

5.  Winning is SWEET!

Did you see David Cook’s emotional response last night?  He was overwhelmed with it all as he should have been.  Several of the American Idol winners have really hit it big.  Idols like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Ruben Studdard have gone on to have successful careers.  They have earned a lot of money and enjoyed fantastic lifestyles.  When we apply ourselves and become a winner, then we get to reap the rewards for a job well done!

Winning isn’t everything, but it’s better than losing!

This morning David Cook is basking in his victory.  He has a lot to look forward to as this year’s American Idol.  He believed, persevered, and used his creativity to win even when he didn’t expect it.  These lessons can serve us well in our endeavors.  It just goes to show that following your heart, taking some risks, and never quitting can make you a winner!

Photo by meagan383