Are You a Pretender or a Contender?

One of my favorite reality shows to watch every season is Dancing with the Stars. Despite the fact that reality TV can be very addictive and often times not a healthy way to spend a lot of time, I find myself fascinated with the entire process of DWTS. I’ll admit, some of the other reality TV shows I’ve been known to watch are considered “mindless” and contribute nothing to my personal or professional development. Yet I suppose sometimes we simply just have to have our guilty pleasures. However, on DWTS, I’m constantly in awe watching celebrities go out of their comfort zones. They work diligently each and every week to memorize and perfect routines, try to learn and look graceful, and readily accept feedback on how to improve from the panel of professionals after exposing themselves in a new way. I find inspiration on many levels to be found on the show.

The panel of professional judges as you well may already know if you too are a fan, consists of Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno. The judge I find most entertaining is Len. Len has a series of one-liners that tend to make a point and gain attention quickly. One that stuck in my mind from a previous season was when he was challenging a celebrity who was a bit on the cocky side, he asked: “Are you a pretender or a contender?” He continued to question the dancer inquiring whether they were the real deal and open to the process, or if they were just going through the motions half –heartedly as it may have appeared. I don’t recall the reaction of the celebrity however, the question was one that got me thinking for sure.

So what are you? Are you choosing to be a pretender or a contender? Are you just going through the motions, doing what you’ve always done, not asking questions, being stale, rigid, defensive? Are you stuck in the same role as a “pretender”? Or are you diving in, giving your life and business your all with an open mind and heart, admitting what you don’t know, seeking answers and information with the genuine desire to be a true “contender” within your industry? Which one you choose makes the difference in your business day in and day out.

As a solution-focused clinician in mental health for over a decade, Laurie’s passion to remain in the helping profession inspired her to create her coaching company, supporting people to act in the direction of their dreams by getting organized, prioritizing action plans, and using unique gifts and talents to create passionate legacies.

[graybox]Laurie is also a professional singer songwriter who has shared her music nationwide after the release of her Debut Album Call it a feeling recorded in Nashville in 2007. Laurie continues to share her motivational music and message of DIVA living to women and girls groups. To receive Laurie’s free song To be Happy and companion DIVA living workbook, visit www.LifeCoachLaurie.com[/graybox]