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Boomers & Beyond: Learn Life Lessons from Survivor
by Peggy Fisher
One of the keys to staying young forever is to be flexible through the years and decades-not only physically but also mentally. No matter how many life experiences we have under our belts, it is vital to never think we know it all. Assume that for even a moment, and Life will show us, in no uncertain terms, who is the boss. Always be looking for new ideas, better approaches and smarter strategies.
One of the reasons the granddaddy of reality shows Survivor and its close cousin The Apprentice stay so wildly popular both in the world of business and among millions of viewing fans-is because they can teach us so much, especially about playing and winning in the Greater Game of Life.
A classic example of one rich with life-enhancing morals is 2005 Survivor played out in exotic Palau archipelago in Micronesia. The grand winner of the million-dollar prize was Tom Westman, the 41-year-old NYC firefighter from Sayville, New York, Thirty-nine days, twenty Survivors, two tribes, an amazing winning streak and finally, Tom was the lone Sole Survivor. Tom dominated the challenges and proved a major force and leader of his tribe. Boldly displaying his strength from the beginning, Tom neither hid who he was nor deceived his tribe mates on his way to victory. He was the favorite for a host of reasons. He played the game smartly, intensely and honorably.
Here is what we can learn from this mega-star winner:
Play Hard. Play your very best to win in every round, every fight, every contest and everything you undertake that is important to you. Never let up and never take your victories for granted. Tom brought multiple strengths to the arena from being a firefighter. Playing hard is life-saving strategy for the young men and women who battle flames to protect life and property. It helps them not only rescue others but also save their teammates and themselves in life or death situations.
Play Strategically. Always have a plan for any game or task in life. Tom had his plan from the beginning and played it brilliantly and consistently to the last moment.
Stay Flexible. Although Tom never wavered from his overall strategy, he remained remarkably fluid and flexible, being aware of changes in the game and especially among other players and reacted quickly to those changes. Again for firefighters rapid adaptability saves lives.
Be a Team Player. Because of his firefighting background and conditioning, Tom was amazingly fit and strong. He used these strengths to propel his team to victory again and again. At the end when it was one on one, he used these same assets to win individually and capture all-important individual immunities so he could not be voted out of the game.
Admit Mistakes Promptly. Tom quickly admitted his mistakes and was especially sensitive about his teammates' feelings. When you are wrong and particularly when you accidentally hurt someone's feelings, admit your mistakes…quickly. This helps you mend fences fastest enabling you both to move on. Nothing is more important for not only your success in life, but also your happiness.
Play Honorably. Although there were some accusations against Tom as there are against all players in this type of game and especially toward strong winners, if you are a leader and achiever of the class, you are always a target. But Tom understood this. His strategy was noble, and he tried his best never to hurt anyone's feelings. That methodology was extremely important in the final round when he was judged by the jury of his peers. In "real" life, we are in this situation whether or not we are aware of it. We are always under scrutiny by our team, our fellow workers, our boss, our mates and our friends. If we play honorably, rewards will accrue.
Play Humbly. The more Tom and his team achieved unprecedented victories, the more humble he became. This was brilliant strategy. Every player, no matter how empowered and strong, is always one play away from possible loss. Life and all its games are like that. The best players know this and always play and live with humility and gratitude. Nothing improves human and team relations more than this. Displays of ego will make you a target faster than any other behavior. If you are a leader and achiever, you are already marked by lesser participants. Loss and victory are always equally around the corner, no matter how well you play.
And the final, and most important Survivor moral: Always learn from Life's strongest, and savviest winners. It is the best way to follow your dreams and turbo charge your life.
*Peggy Fisher is a syndicated columnist who features safety, fitness and environmental stewardship. She has had work published in newspapers, magazines and websites in over 100 countries. She offers free weekly Seaside Scoop email with Word for the Week and fitness, conservation tips and inspiration from the sea at: writingbyfisher@bellsouth.net.
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