Learning about life from America’s Next Top Model

April 22nd, 2009

At home sick today I found myself on the Oxygen channel watching five episodes, back to back, of last season’s America’s Next Top Model. Within the first 15 minutes I was drawn in, hook line and sinker. But why, especially since I’m not a big TV watcher?

Sure, the show is about the hopes and dreams of becoming a model and making it big. The fashion and beauty that fills the show is alluring. And, the drama between the girls makes for interesting TV-storyline-tension. But none of these would usually be enough to keep me addicted for 5 episodes in a row.

Amba Gale from the Gale Leadership Development always says that if someone is ready to learn and grow, you could give them the yellow pages and they would find something of substance to use as grist for the mill. Unexpectedly, that’s what happened to me. This is what I took away from America’s Next Top Model:

1. I’m physically not top model material, most of us aren’t, and never will be – so we need to stop trying and love our selves the way we are!

2. Our beauty comes through in our own unique self-expression – be vulnerable and let it shine.

3. True Confidence, rather than overbearing confidence manufactured for the moment, is what makes us attractive to our selves and each other.

4. If seeded at an early age, self-confidence comes naturally — like me, if yours was not seeded early, it’s time to start pulling the weeds, tilling the soil and planting those seeds so you can blossom.

5. Authenticity and belief in yourself is at the root of all success.

6. Passion and the willingness to consistently work at what you love is noticed, honored and rewarded by others.

7. And finally, don’t talk “shit” (or gossip) about others because it will only come back to bite you.

Hilarious, I know. But true none-the-less! I guess lying on the couch for 5 hours watching TV wasn’t as worthless as I thought it was.

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