Living & Working On Purpose

Blake Lewis, Sanjaya - Lessons on Being Yourself

Well, my prediction was right. Of course, predicting that Jordin Sparks would become the next American Idol last night was not hard. After all, I had a 50-50 chance, plus she sang well on Tuesday.

Yes, there's also something to note about Blake Lewis, the runner up, and even Sanjaya, who left the show early on. They showed the courage and tenacity to be themselves even when being themselves was different, even a bit controversial. For me that demonstrates the courage that it takes to live a life on purpose.

I've never said living on purpose is easy, only simple once you know your purpose and your Inherited Purpose. It's not always easy (though worth the effort) because it often means going against the current of conventionality and what's accepted as the norm.

So, my coaching cap is off to these brave young men. May you go far in your lives as you stay true to yourself.

What are your thoughts as you ponder this? I'd love to hear them.

BRAD

And the Next American Idol is....

Well, I really don't know but unlike Paula I'm going out on a limb and making my 'purposeful prediction' that Jordin Sparks will be crowned the next American Idol. Not only did she 'sweep the floor with Blake Lewis' on that last song, an accurate though crass description of Simon's, but in my estimation she is clearly expressing her true purpose and calling. The truth is, both Blake and Jordin have made it to the top slots by staying true to themselves, at least as much as possible given the design of the show.

While I've enjoyed some of the themes of the past week's, it hasn't been easy for some of the contestants who have had to sing outside their genre. And the last song of the night was a clear case it point. It was right in the beam for Jordin and way outside the beam for Blake.

So, in just a matter of hours we'll all get to see if my prediction is true, and whether this season's American Idol really was a singing competition or a performer's competition. In either case, both finalist are winners who are living on purpose, and that's way cool.

Friday Night Lights - Something for Everyone

TELEVISION ON PURPOSE - Friday Night Lights - Something for
Everyone

I confess. I enjoy watching television when I can find something good on,
which with the 'reality TV' virus continuing to infect the networks, it's
becoming harder to find entertaining TV, which is also inspirational, and
with some socially redeeming value.

At least that's what I thought until I happened to check in on 'Friday Night
Lights' on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm. I admit to being attracted to it initially
because it's about football and one of the main characters is the football
coach of a Texas town who expects nothing less than going to the state
championship every year.

I thought, perhaps, I'd learn some 'coaching tips' that I could apply to my
own coaching practice. And I have, and much more. I've learned or had it
re-enforced how valuable it is to have a good woman who believes in you
standing for your greatness. (Thank you Ann). I've learned that having
great expectations is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.

I've learned a lot and I've also been entertained.

I'm writing this in part because I've read on the internet that the show's
ratings are down, and while the network continues to believe in it, I know
how quickly good shows can disappear. Anyone remember Joan of
Arcadia?

So, if you want to watch a family show with real heart, that weaves in a
spiritual theme among small town living, and that really isn't about
football, but about life, check out last week's episode at:

http://www.nbc.com/Video/rewind/full_episodes/?show=fridaynight

And check this newspaper article out for more about why this show
deserves to be watched:

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/gossip/15741264.htm

I'll be watching it again this week.