I
miss the memorable of the TV show theme songs I grew up with. The opening credits of a show were always about
laying the series groundwork by telling you the background story of what you were about
to watch on TV. TV show tune writers were geniuses in giving the show synopsis
in small amounts by making the opening of each show part of the viewing
experience.
Memorable series will always hold endearing places in
both our hearts and minds. The story lines, characters, and dialogues were
unique. Unintentionally, we apply powerful insight to aspects of our daily
lives from these beloved shows. Below are five famous TV theme songs that
may just help you to know yourself just a bit better:
1.
“Cheers” Build
Relationships with Your Coworkers: The “Cheers”
theme song is often ranked as the No. 1 theme song of all time. Why? I think
it’s because we all relate to it:
“You
wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same
You
wanna be where everybody knows your name.
You
wanna go where people know, people are all the same
You
wanna be where everybody knows your name.”
These lyrics
speak to something I call the “Law of Similarity.” People like people like
them, and they trust who and what they know. Expand this into the workplace. We
learn we must ask questions, delegate, and build relationships with the people
we work with.
Tip: You should start the day by asking someone a question about themselves.
Only ask if you are actually interested in hearing the answer. It could be as
simple as, “What did you do last night?” Take the relationship beyond work to
see what shared interest you have and you will see the relationships
strengthen.
2.
“Different
Strokes” Appreciate Our Differences: One of the actors in this show was Gary Coleman. He made this observation about his small
height: “My engine may be small, but look out for my steam.” This theme
song teaches having emotional strength and so much more:
“Now,
the world don’t move to the beat of just one drum,
What
might be right for you, may not be right for some.
It
takes diff’rent strokes to move the world.”
These words
remind us to respect individuality. Take it to the workplace and you realize
that you need different ways of thinking to come up with the best solutions. We
need diverse teams in approach, age, gender, background and mindset.
Tip:
Next time you get frustrated working with someone, try shifting your thinking.
Instead of being annoyed by their attention to every tiny detail, appreciate
that it keeps you from having to deal with them. Then take a moment to tell
them what you admire about them. It will reduce the tension and open up more
teamwork possibilities.
3.
“Facts of Life”
Manage Expectations: Whether you are self-employed or in
upper management, there are always undesirable parts to any job. As long as
there are aspects of your job you like, you are on the right career path.
“You
take the good, you take the bad,
You
take them both and there you have
The
facts of life, the facts of life.”
The biggest
takeaway of this song is to manage your expectations. This is the lesson I am trying to make others aware of. Make
your expectations realistic to the occasion at hand.
Tip:
Communication is important in managing expectations. It can be as simple as
letting someone know when you will be able to meet the deadline for a task they
assigned you.
4.
“Laverne &
Shirley” Follow Your Own Path: This theme
is suited for the innovator, the entrepreneur,
the person who always seems to be going against the grain, or simply the person
who feels nothing in life was ever easy. Every line inspires you to keep
trying, keep believing in yourself, and to be unique in the way you solve your difficulty.
“Give
us any chance, we’ll take it
Read
us any rule, we’ll break it
We’re
gonna make our dreams come true
Doin’
it our way…
There
is nothing we won’t try
Never
heard the word impossible
This
time there’s no stopping us. We’re gonna do it.”
These lyrics
remind us to trust our gut, take a chance, and be all right with nonconformity.
Whether branching out on your own, do what works for you.
Tip:
Pay attention to what your inner critic is saying. The majority of self-talk is
often negative. If you fall into that trap, imagine the pep talk your best friend
would give you. Then change the internal messaging and be your own best friend.
Choose your words carefully and rephrase to action-oriented language. In other
words, focus on what you can do and not on what is impossible to achieve.
5.
“One Day at a
Time” Relax and Enjoy the Journey:
We have all
heard this saying. It is the mantra for many to overcome challenges, but I
think there is more to this theme song that we can learn. For the high-achieving,
controlling personalities, the lyrics explain the need to relax.
“This
is life, the one you get so go and have a ball.
This
is it. This is it.
Straight
ahead and rest assured you can’t be sure at all.
So
while you’re here enjoy the view.
Keep
on doing what you do
So
hold on tight we’ll muddle through
One
day at a time, one day at a time.”
Whether it is
personal or professional, life can be unpredictable, and that is part of its
charm. Life is rarely turns out to be like what we pictured it in our twenties.
Find the purpose in what you do even if it just to get you to the next thing.
Tip:
At least once a day, slow down long enough for a few deep breaths. Think about
one thing you are grateful for and share that with someone else. It is important
to be told by someone else that you are appreciated.
“There are life lessons that
can be derived from reality television.” (Mike White)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“12 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Famous TV Shows” by Born Realist
·
“Five Leadership and Life Lessons From Classic TV
Theme Songs” by Michelle Tillis Lederman
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