We Can Learn a Thing or Two From American Idol

We Can Learn a Thing or Two From American Idol Judges

I was never a fan of American Idol until the 2019 season. During the finals, I was mesmerized as I witnessed Katie Perry’s magnetic eyehold on the contestant, Alejandro. In her sequined dress in all the colors of the rainbow, adorned with big gold disc earnings nearly touching her shoulders, she said, “Homie, everyone was truly listening to you—you could hear a pin drop. It’s such a pleasure to be in the same lifetime as you. You bring original music and artistry.”

 Then Lionel Richie leaning forward in his black sequined jacket added, “Love at first sound. Every now and then someone comes along who captivates your soul. From one song writer to another, happy to have you join the ranks.”

Finally the third judge, Luke Bryant, dressed in his usual casual and scruffy face said, “You play your music your way and when you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone, I’ll buy it.”

Did you notice as I did, something unusual about their feedback?

They were extremely encouraging. Their words to Alejandro and every other contestant said in essence, I see you. You have real talent. Win or lose you have a future in music. They justifiably supported each contestant’s faith in themselves and their hope to break into the music industry.

We Can Encourage Like American Idol Judges

All of us need encouragement, often on a daily basis. Whether we’re weathering a struggle or striving to achieve a goal, (as the contestants were), encouraging words can strengthen our belief in ourselves that we can get through this; we can reach our dream.

Here are some ways we can encourage others:

• Focus on the person’s strengths, in essence you’re saying “You have what it takes.” (Katie described Alejandro’s music as original with great artistry, confirming he had what it takes for his career to take off.)

•   Remind your person of his past successes, in essence saying, “You’ve done it before, you have it in you to do it again.”

•   Share your person’s vision for the future. Encourage him to describe his dream in detail and let him know, “I can see you doing this.” (Luke Bryant expanded Alejandro’s vision imaging him on the cover of Rolling Stone.)

Your Takeaway

Why not be an encourager like the American Idol Judges? All of us are not that different than the contestants. Everyday we strive to work through challenges and achieve small and big dreams. Whether we’re trying to overcome stage fright, connect with an audience and sing our heart out, or attempting to resolve a conflict—everyone needs the support of encouraging words.

Why not begin encouraging today?

Why Not?

Why Not?

My dad, who had always been so proud, admirable, and self-sufficient, lay curled on his side in a light blue pajama top and bottoms, his hospital bed slightly elevated.

His white hair stuck up in a mohawk, his skin pasty white.

His eyes were closed and his breathing heavy. He had eaten two bites of his cheese sandwich at lunch and his tray was barely touched.

How was it possible that my brilliant, always intellectually curious dad, resembled a sick little boy and I was now his mama wanting to do anything to make him comfortable and well.

“Dad, Dad, wake up,” I said gently shaking his arm.

“Oh, Gail, you’re here. Where am I?”

“Dad, we’re in the nursing unit. There’s some yummy chocolate ice cream in the kitchen area. Can I get you some?”

Why not?

“Why not?!” he replied, throwing his hands up in the air. Dad had always been opposed to speaking Yiddish because we were ‘Americans’, but this one time his voice took on the inflection of my grandmother. He seemed to be saying there’s nothing to lose here in saying, yes.

Your Takeaway

Why not! has since become a dear metaphor for me. When people invite me to experience something new I throw up my hands, channeling my inner dad and say, why not! with his same inflection. I’m saying yes to new experiences, new opportunities.

So I say to you, why not open yourself to embracing the affirming way of life.

Why not look for what you appreciate, admire, or adore in the people in your life and tell them!

The way we view the people in our life is a choice. You can focus on the annoying and disappointing things about others or you can look with eyes that see the goodness and pleasure they bring into your life.

Seeing the good is your clay for speaking the good, and experiencing more of the good in your relationships and yourself. 

Why not begin today!

Welcome to my Blog

This year I accomplished a huge life dream – twenty years brewing in my imagination, five years whole-heartedly writing and revising, I published The Affirming Way of Life: See the Good, Speak the Good, Spread the Good.

Imagine my joy when I learned my book won the National Indie Excellence Award in the self-help category.

My mission now is to spread the simple and deeply profound idea I present in the book – that our words shape our relationships.

If we want more love, connection and happiness it starts with how we see others and what we say to them. In my blogs I will share stories from every aspect of daily living that will help us to see the good, speak the good, and spread the good!

What we focus on becomes our reality.

Join me for inspiration to spread the good.

Each blog will:

·        Tell a story from my life, others, our culture, or relevant research

·        Provide Your Takeaway to be practical (like in the book)

·        End with Why Not? to spur you on.

Warmly,
Gail