Let’s all pretend we are on The Price Is Right

A month or so ago we were watching The Price Is Right at lunch like we often do, and my husband casually said something to the effect of, “I love how everyone in the audience always wants every contestant to win.”

And it made me think. In a world where we so often find ourselves filled with jealousy and anger about the success and good fortune of others, it’s nice to see a group of people who are always cheering for that one person in the room who at that moment has the opportunity of a lifetime.

An opportunity each one of them wants, but only a small few will get. But they all still cheer and are honestly disappointed for the person if they don’t win.

Why are the dynamics so much different? Why do we cheer on our friends, family members and complete strangers when we see them get a dream opportunity when it’s on a game show, but often find ourselves feeling envious instead of happy for them when it’s in “real life”?

I have a theory.

When on a game show the audience is disappointed they weren’t chosen, but are swept up in the excitement and are happy to be a small part of the experience as a whole. They still have hope that they too might get, “called on down,” and make it up on stage. And more than anything else they know that regardless of what happens to the other contestants, that there are enough prizes for everyone.

Even if every person ahead of them on The Price Is Right wins their game, there is still a prize waiting for that last contestant.

And even if they don’t win their pricing game, there is still the chance to win on the wheel or make it to the showcase.

In short, there is no shortage of opportunities so they can cheer on others while still remaining hopeful for themselves.

Well, guess what, the exact same thing is true in life.

There is no shortage of opportunities. Just because someone else has had something amazing happen in their life, that takes nothing away from the chance that something amazing can happen to you too.

“Her success is not your failure.”

You can cheer for your friends, family members, colleagues and total strangers while still waiting for your next great chance.

There is no shortage of opportunities, there is no cut-off.

It’s normal to feel a little envy, and maybe a bit jealous when someone else is getting an opportunity you would love to have, but instead of letting that envy and jealousy consume you, acknowledge it, and remind yourself that their success doesn’t mean you too can’t be successful.

Each of us is looking for different things out of life, and even if it seems like someone is getting an opportunity that would be perfect for you, there is a reason you didn’t get it and they did. And you have to believe that is because something even more perfect is coming down the line for you.

You just need to wait in the audience until your name is called. And while you are there, you may as well cheer as loud as you can for everyone who has made it on stage ahead of you.

My goal for you is the next time you hear of someone getting a great opportunity that you stop yourself before you fall into that pool of jealousy. That you remind yourself that just because they are getting a great opportunity doesn’t mean that you won’t. And while you wait for your chance, isn’t it a whole lot more fun to cheer on others than it is to sit and wallow in pity? I certainly think so!