Last year I wrote a guest post for my writer buddy, Lori Widmer, Mondo Life Lessons from Project Runway.
Although I am not a fan of “Reality TV,” I do appreciate those that showcase creativity. But, every once in a while, you get something more than a cool-looking dress.
You get life lessons.
When Life Throws You Lemons
Two recent shows on Project Runway delivered the latest life lesson.
In Episode 10, one of the contestants, Anya, lost the $100 the show gave the contestants to purchase material for the latest challenge.
- It was one of lowest amounts they had for purchasing
- Most of the contestants had no money left over
- One gave back little accessories to give Anya $11
Anya was told she could use the muslin in the workroom.
Muslin and $11 – doesn’t exactly scream fashion.
In the very next episode, another contestant, Kimberly, had one of those I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed days.
- A giant-sized New York cockroach had Kimberly climbing on a table
- She sewed through her finger with the workroom sewing machine
- She burned a hole in her mostly-finished dress
What do you do? Throw in the towel? Or the muslin?
Make Lemonade
Both contestants had some insurmountable-looking obstacles.
- A budget slashed from $100 to $11
- An on-the-job injury
- A destroyed product
What happened?
- Anya won the whole challenge
- Kimberly came in a close second for her challenge
Their situation reminds me of the words from Steve Jobs in his famous 2005 Stanford University commencement address.
Steve shared the story of his firing from Apple – his own company.
- He went on and founded NeXT
- Then Pixar
Steve shared the following insight about his firing from Apple.
“It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”
Lesson Learned
- Just when we think life cannot get any lower
- Or we wonder where the next dollar is going to come from
- We discover something remarkable
We are at our best when we need it most.
- We simply have to believe
- And never give up
Where did you find your life lesson?
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Live…Laugh…Love
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Wow, what a story. Definitely a great moral in there to share. I don’t know if mine qualifies as a life lesson per se, but I’ve never been one to give up on my dreams. As a young kid growing up, my school careers office constantly told me I should give up on wanting to become a vet – too difficult, too competitive, I was female, etc etc. I think I showed them all what I thought of that garbage. Now I love nothing more than helping others believe in themselves. There’s nothing nicer than seeing special people achieve something dear to them.
Hi Nicky: Amen, Nicky-I love your story. It’s especially gratifying that you knew so early in life and followed that dream. For some of us, it takes a bit longer. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story, Nicky.
This is a great perspective, Cathy. I never watch PR, but happened to catch the Anya episode. I really appreciate the lessons you drew from this…especially the quote on creativity by Steve Jobs. Thanks for this nice thought-provoking piece.
Hi Steve: Thanks for stopping by. I so dislike the drama, back-stabbing side of “Reality Tv,” that it’s really nice to find some jewels. I love creative minds and finding the life lesson is an added bonus.
Thanks again, Steve.
In the last few months… I have had some pretty bad knock downs but this reminds me… After the rain there is always a beautiful rainbow.
This has lifted my spirits and my sights to my next rainbow and it WILL be big, bright and beautiful.
Thanks for this!
Hi Carla: I’m sorry to hear you’ve had it rough. I’ll keep good thoughts for you. But, I know you will do well with such a beautiful outlook. I’m glad if this helped in any small way. I wish you many more beautiful rainbows!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carla! Take care.
This is a great post that reminds all of us to appreciate what we have. When I was sick a few months ago, I realized that the diagnosis could have been worse, even life-threatening. That kept me going and I’m back, good as new.Thanks for the inspirational article.
So happy you are in good health again, Lisa. Thanks for sharing your story and comment.
Oh, I LOVE a good Project Runway comparison! 🙂
And now they’re BOTH in the final run for the prize! Gotta love ingenuity and the “what the hell” attitude.
LOL, Lori! We do ♥ our Project Runway. I still don’t like the backstabbing. I don’t watch the “After the Runway.” Too nasty.
Thanks for sharing my weakness. 🙂
I am a huge fan of Project Runway! The reason is I love watching people create with a timeline and a budget. It’s amazing! I absolutely adored the episode with the $11 garments. They were incredible!
Also, if I remember correctly, Steve Jobs also invested almost all of his Apple earnings (50 million) in the new company. Most people would have stopped when the bank account started looking slim, but his resilience is truly a testament to what type of man he was!
Creativity always interests me. In my own life, I am the most creative when it looks like all is lost! Go figure!
Martha – another similarity. 🙂 I love the creative soul and am endlessly fascinated by it. When we eliminate the fear and tap into that creativity, our possibilities are endless.
Thanks for sharing your comments, Martha.