An Unlikely Idol

By Jill Koenig
Author, Coach, Motivational Speaker

On the eve of another American Idol being crowned I wanted to share some lessons from one of the show's main characters.

There are lessons everywhere if you are looking for them.

I am going to talk about resilience.

Here is the definition:

Resilience: springing back

Most people don't know Paula Abdul is a great example of resilience.

This is what some her resume looks like:

Laker Girl
Dancer
Choreographer
Singer
Songwriter
American Idol Judge
Jewelry Designer

After being a Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, Paula was the choreographer on some of Janet Jackson's most famous music videos. Paula had her own success in the music industry. She is also known for a marriage to Emilio Estevez (Martin Sheen's son) and for being a dedicated mother.

Here is what you might not know:

Paula Abdul had some down time in her career. She had some challenges. After her own albums had so much success in the 80's, she experiences some health issues. Paula had a herniation of discs that were pressing on her spinal chord and on nerves coming off her spine. Ouch. She experienced a lot of pain and elected to have surgery to insert plates in her neck.

As she endured the pain of her back and neck issues, she needed to recuperate and this allowed her some quiet time out of the limelight to do some soul searching. During this time of self-reflection, she continued to create content and write songs.

While she was writing songs, she got a phone call from her music publisher who told her that a UK artist wanted to record one of her songs, "Spinning Around."

That artist was Kylie Minogue. Kylie recorded it and Spinning Around instantly dominated the British airwaves, in fact, it was the first time ever in Kylie's career that she entered the charts at #1!

Within one year, a new show was launching in the UK called "Pop Idol." It became a phenomenon in England. They contacted Paula because so many of the contestants wanted to sing "Spinning Around" for the show and they needed Paula's permission. Paula was invited to appear on the show as a one time guest.

Unfortunately, Paula couldn't go because she was having yet another back surgery. Between 1998 and 2003, Paula had 12 neck operations. Later, a neurologist diagnosed her with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a painful neurological disorder.

So while she was recovering from this, the show Pop Idol was launching it's American version called American Idol (2002). Paula was invited to audition and thought it would be a great opportunity because she felt she was good at spotting talent. The show has gone on to generate hundreds of millions of dollars and has launched dozens of careers. I love to see people going after their dreams. I love to study success and American Idol is one BIG success story.

Some people think you are a has been if you are out of the spotlight for a little while. We all need time to regroup from time to time and re evaluate our goals. Paula never gave up. She endured setbacks and difficulty but she kept on with developing her talents and looking for new opportunities.

This is what Paula says about resilience:

"You are never washed up.

You have to be fearless.

Get past that fear and jump right in."

What is something you are afraid of doing, but if you did it, your life could change drastically for the better?

Be fearless and do it.

Live Your Dreams,

Jill Koenig

http://www.GoalGuru.com