http://www.tedloofitness.com/

Okay, I admit it… I watch American Idol.

I usually only watch at the beginning of the season when they are showing the auditions. I’ve always thought I was watching for the humour factor, laughing at the antics of these people that just can’t sing. Call me mean but it’s mindless though funny entertainment. Well, I’ve had a revelation which I will touch on in a moment.

The other night I was watching Larry King on CNN and he had these past Idol contestants on the show. The basic theme of the segment was “are the judges being too harsh and making too much fun of the people auditioning?” Understand the 4 main ex-contestants Larry was talking to had experienced some degree of success and fame on the show.

Towards the end of the show Larry brings on William Hung. This is the kid who a few seasons ago did not make it past the audition phase of the show but achieved fame not because he could sing but because he couldn’t sing or dance and put all together he was funny to watch while trying to sing Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs.” Listening to Larry interview William you got a real sense that he believes in himself and that he truly thinks he is a really talented singer and performer. Some questions regarding William’s talent were posed to one of the other contestants, Bucky, and though being polite he had a hard time not giggling, holding a straight face and you could tell that he really did not take William Hung seriously.

Larry then asked William the question that put it all together for me,

“William, have you made a million dollars as a result of being on American Idol?”

Pausing, he answers “Yes, it’s safe to say that I have!”

I then took a hard look at Bucky who you can tell has been looking down at William. They have a remote camera feed coming from his home, he’s been unable to answer several questions because he doesn’t have a TV or vcr so he’s not able to see what is being talked about. I look at William who has been flown into town, arrived to the studio in a limo and just released a new cd of country songs. Then it hits me! The real reason why I enjoy watching American Idol isn’t because I enjoy watching people embarrass themselves. It’s the fact they are taking a risk, putting themselves on the line and in some way growing as a person and in William Hung’s case, reaping not only personal satisfaction and confidence but also financial rewards.

So what does this have to do with fitness?

All the time I see people who are held back because they have a limiting belief in what they can physically achieve. With an open mind, a willingness to take a risk and put themselves on the line… one can achieve more than they ever thought possible!

Get out of your comfort zone, take a risk and go for what you want… it’s do able!!

To your health!
Ted