I refer to myself as a project in progress. A deeply complex one. What rises to the surface is where the project becomes either difficult or easy. My attitude takes hold of how the day will play out, what I will notice and what I will ignore.

I am a reality TV junkie, once in recovery, but later succumbed to the reality of my need for reality. Competition reality is my first choice. It separates the strong and the weak, it tests physically and mentally, it raises questions subliminally about ourselves. Could I trek 39 days across 35,000 miles in 10 countries facing challenges and detours along the way? Could I prepare an amazing dinner in 30 minutes with a mystery box of ingredients, some which I have never heard of? Could I live in a house with 10 other strangers? Could I make 1,000 cupcakes in 90 minutes? Would I survive Hell’s Kitchen knowing the stress of food service, the pressure of getting plates out on time, and having Gordon Ramsey screaming in my ear?

The enjoyment of watching the people who do compete, and how they overcome, mentally, to gain an edge, or break through an obstacle is downright inspiring. Shark Tank, The Profit, American Greed, American Greed: The Fugitives. Chopped, Hell’s Kitchen, Biggest Loser, Cupcake Wars, Amazing Race, The Kardashians (guilty pleasure), The Bachelor (don’t judge me!). So many more but it all started with Big Brother Season One (have not watched Big Brother since season 2 or 3). It is where I caught the reality bug.

There is a common denominator to all of these shows (maybe not American Greed), it is how you approach what is in front of you. Your attitude. In thirty minutes we can peek into a situation that a person in thrown into and see how they react, perform, and either rise above or fail. It gives us a glimpse of what not to do, or what works. It gives us additional information and experience without having to experience it ourselves. It is a unique way to get smarter and test attitude but never an alternative for experiencing it ourselves.

While watching reality TV it can also give you validation that you are doing things right. You may also get a boost of confidence that “I can do that” also. Risks and chances can be taken where maybe you did not have the mindset, or did not believe you could measure up. For me it has helped to recognize where my limits are. While I may be able to cook my ass off in Hell’s Kitchen, I would crumble to dust the minute Gordon screamed at me or called me donkey.

Can you see how your attitude directly plays into every situation you are faced with? Can you see a bad situation turning out differently if your attitude would have been different?

Do you find yourself approaching things with fear, uncertainty, and anger at times?

Would approaching things with love and kindness improve your life?

Leslie Beery
The Surviving Project