Are you a big fan of reality TV? I’m not normally, but somehow I got totally sucked in to following The Voice for a few season! I find it to be much more positive and uplifting than American Idol, and I love the coaching aspect. In fact, I find that almost every episode leaves me with some sort of positive message. And the show overall can teach us some of life’s greatest lessons, if we look for them.
Here are a few important messages I’ve picked up over the years from watching the show.
“Different” or “Other” can be an asset.
Just ask coach Pharrell Williams, who listens for unique sound, tone, and talent in building his team. He is seeking out those with strong individuality, and those who own their uniqueness.
How many of us could embrace our uniqueness a little more and celebrate what makes us different? Seeing quirks as assets and not liabilities can not only boost our confidence, but give us the freedom to be ourselves more and more.
Being vulnerable and open will help you get ahead.
Even the strongest of vocalists are eliminated if they can’t emote feeling to the audience, and draw them in through their performance. The contestants who are raw, open, and vulnerable are the ones who truly connect most with the judges and the audience, and ultimately see the greatest success.
It’s easy to hide our vulnerabilities and only project an image of strength. But we have so much to gain by being vulnerable and open. One of my favourite quotes about vulnerability comes from Brené Brown:
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” – Brené Brown
Her newest book Braving the Wilderness talks about this in more detail. I loved it and highly recommend it!
A positive outlook and genuine desire to learn are essential in any coaching relationship.
Those who are close-minded, entitled, and arrogant never last long. To be coachable and get the greatest benefit from their mentor, an artist needs to leave their ego at the door.
This is valuable insight particularly for anyone working with a mentor or coach.
The magic happens beyond one’s comfort zone.
The artists are often challenged to do something different – whether it be to sing in a higher key or perform without the security blanket of their guitar, to name a few. Those who can embrace this change are those who nail their performances and show their coaches that they deserve to stay in the competition.
Working through doubts when leaving our comfort zone isn’t always straightforward (though I have some tips here!), but the rewards are great. We experience growth when we push ourselves to try something different.
Failure can present another chance to try again.
A second chance can mean so much. The winners of the last two seasons of The Voice were both “steals”, meaning that their coaches eliminated them and they were then “stolen” by another coach in order to stay in the competition. In other words, sometimes the biggest stars get rejected, and still manage to prop themselves up and excel. Instead of moping around, they get back up and take their second chance with gusto.
How can we see perceived “failures” and setbacks as being challenges, ripe to be overcome? This mindset shift can have a powerful impact.
It’s amazing how a reality TV show can invoke so much wisdom! Have any of you been watching The Voice? What lessons have you taken away from it?
Hi Kate,I have been watching Voice for the same reason as you. It is very positive show with positive energy and very relaxing. I really liked how you outlined above in your comments.
Vera