I’ll freely admit that I’m a huge fan of certain reality shows today. I’m not talking about shows like Jersey Show or Keeping up with the Kardashians that just follow people around, but about shows that analyze and showcase people for their skills like Hell’s Kitchen (Chefs), Shear Genius (Hairdressers), and Project Runway (Fashion Designers). Each of these shows offers individuals the opportunity to show off what they ‘should’ be good at. As I college professor I see the struggle – and the success and failures. I think some of these shows can remind us some important lessons.

These shows offer a reminder that what we love to do isn’t always easy. I think this is comforting because each of us puts hours of hard work into keeping pace with the changing technology and design trends today and sometimes it doesn’t always seem like it pays off – at least not as quickly as it could.

For students, this task of learning can be very daunting. Many students feel that they should be graded and provided feedback based on their effort. But watch any of these shows and you’ll realize that effort doesn’t really cut it – not in reality shows or in real life.

Each show seems to be set up in a similar manner:
1. Meet unique individuals with a particular talent and passion.
2. Let them showcase their talent.
3. Judge their talent.
4. The strong continue.

Do you see the similarity to the classroom? Each class puts your skills to the test to see how you react and what you can do with the opportunity you have been given.

The Biggest Loser
I find The Biggest Loser a unique show, and not because it is about people making the choice to lose weight. Physical exercise can be incredibly difficult – I rock climb 3-4 days a week, so I understand. But this show finds the limit that is healthy for these people and then pushes them to their limits. The trainers of this show manipulate the participates by yelling at times and then having heart to heart moments to help them find their own drive to keep pushing. As a professor, I can relate. There isn’t just one way to help my students, but the strategy to be open to encourage them to communicate so we can find the most efficient path possible. This show really offers great support to the participates, but they also communicate about the importance of having a strong support system at home for each of them. What are you doing at home to create the best learning/designing environment around yourself so that you can be the most successful?

Hell’s Kitchen
I can see why many are scared or at least put off by Chef Gordon Ramsay – he is direct. He has a track record for knowing what good food is and doesn’t sugarcoat his thoughts. But have you been a patron in a restaurant that has served bad food? Most will never complain and just not go back, but few express to the chef what went wrong. All of these competitors believe that they are good cooks – but not all of their food is good. Where is the disconnect? Why do some chefs ‘think’ their food is good when it clearly isn’t? As a designer, do you think every design that you create for class projects or clients is ‘perfect’? How do you react when someone tells you that it could be better? Are you excepting or frustrated?

American Idol
Simon Cowell has made a name for himself by stating the obvious “You sound good, or you don’t.’ Most of the time the audience agrees with the judges – even if the comments are brass. What would YOU do as a judge? Would you reward each singer for their effort and passion? Would you lie to them to make them feel better about themselves? How honest could you be to someone else, especially knowing that you are commenting on their passion? Consider for a moment the past feedback from your professors and clients. What was more helpful – the feedback that liked your work or the feedback that tore it apart so you could rebuild?

Learning from criticism and feedback is one of the most important aspects of being a great designer. Most of you will be making money by creating things for others. You can ignore feedback from clients and professors, but in the end, where will that get you? On reality shows, you’d get booted off. As a designer, you could find yourself just as alone.

As you watch these shows, evaluate your own life and the choices you are making. Do you have the passion to continue when times are difficult?
Do you give up or do you try harder?
Do you rebel against professors/judges/clients that offer feedback, or do you embrace it and learn from it?

Seems like too many participates feel that the shows aren’t always fair once they get booted off. But if life isn’t fair… so why should it be any different for our classes or jobs? At least you may find comfort in that you aren’t alone.