Enjoy Your Stardom

Getting ready for the first shot of the day – Stara Moravica, Serbia

You may or may not know I’m a reality TV addict. It’s my guilty pleasure.

And here’s the fun news. Recently, I moved from being “just a fan” to being an actual reality superstar! (Doing one episode does make me a superstar, right?) Now, before you roll your eyes, hear me out on this one… because while the show is the backdrop to this story with a very cool moral, it’s not the lead role.

In my experience, there are two camps of reality show people: those who love them and those who don’t. Period. How someone couldn’t enjoy watching reality TV is beyond me, but I guess it’s similar to dessert – you’re either a dessert person or you’re not. Sure, you might enjoy dessert from time to time, but dessert people lay awake at night wondering where their next hit of chocolate will come from. It’s true. And that’s the way life is for me. Who should the HOH vote out next in the Big Brother house? Did Des make the right decision choosing Chris (what a finale this week!!)?

Okay, now I can actually feel you rolling your eyes – but listen. I promised this wouldn’t be all about reality shows (I just love them so much I can’t stop talking about them)—it’s really about my experience behind the camera as a star. And it’s an important story, so please stick around for life-changing words of wisdom… or at least an entertaining blog post.

I’m not a reality TV star virgin. If you’ve been here before, you may know I’ve already shared briefly about being on a show. But I haven’t shared what life was like “on set” (biz verbiage). The thing is, because of legal reasons, I can only give you some clues as to what program I’m referring to. It’s a popular travel show that follows people around the world as they buy property. Now all you reality TV junkies know exactly what it is. For the rest of you, all you need to know is you won’t be seeing me naked on an island eating bugs.

Last week, I had the opportunity to shoot another episode. The second time round was a completely different experience. I was able to relax and enjoy it. I wasn’t so caught up in the “doing it right” trap and, also, the reason I was excited again had changed.

The first time round was all about fulfilling my dream to be part of a reality TV show. But this time, there was a commitment behind why I was involved.

Why? I want the rest of the world to see what a magical place our Serbian village is – meaning, the people, the pace of life, and their connection to the earth. I discuss the importance of “knowing the why” in my new book, Destination Aha! Becoming Unstuck in Life and Business. But it still never ceases to amaze me how having a powerful “why” really does shift everything. For me, this is the most important question you can answer for everything you do in life, and your business it no different.

If you’re feeling stuck, a quick way to get unstuck is to ask yourself, “Why am I doing what I’m doing?” I truly believe the reason most entrepreneurs get stuck in business is because they stop asking themselves this question. In the beginning, we entrepreneurs spend a lot of time answering it. But think about this: as you change and your business changes, the why changes.

For example, while the purpose of my PR firm has remained the same over the past 10 years, the why I’m doing what I’m doing has changed. Things that were important to me in the beginning are different than the things that are important to me now. Ten years ago, my business partner Michelle and I wanted to make a difference in the world. Now that I’m living in a different part of the world, it’s more personal. I want to make a difference for particular people in certain parts of the world.

Same purpose, different why.

Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I loved the opportunity to further my reality TV career (wink). But with the focus off me, I get to enjoy my stardom and make the world a better place for everyone.

I want everyone to enjoy their stardom. So if you’re stuck, please download a free copy of my book and find your why. Then tell me. I’d love to know what it is!