Confessions of a reality TV addict

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dani Johnson
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) --  I have to admit it. It’s tough to say out in the open, but I’m one of those -- a reality TV addict. I must watch each week, and if I’m out of town, most of the ones I watch are taped so I don’t miss a thing.

I’m so bad that on a recent temporary duty, when I realized that I had only taped one of my shows for an hour and it was going to run two hours, I actually talked a friend through reprogramming my VCR so I didn’t miss a single minute.

How can an educated, intelligent Air Force officer such as me succumb to such a level? I usually use the excuse that when I returned from my overseas assignment, I was behind in all the series so I started watching. Actually, while that is somewhat true, honestly, I like the idea of “normal” people achieving a goal and the drama of watching what people do to each other in stressful situations. It’s a study in human behavior to me.

Honestly, it’s not about who wins the money for me, but how they relate with each other. I have the ones I hate and the ones I root for no matter what. I’ve also learned some things from watching which can help me be a better leader.

As Airmen, we can learn from TV’s latest fad. Each day is a race, a challenge. How we act determines whether we will be around for one more day and stay a part of the best Air Force in the world or take the ultimate fall and be voted off or the last one to arrive because we didn’t apply what we knew.

First, perseverance. Whether it’s “Amazing Race,” “Survivor” or “American Idol,” those who succeed are the ones who bounce back the next episode after having a completely rotten previous episode and barely make it to the next round.

Second, how would I react or should one react in the situation? It could be walking across a suspension bridge in a foreign country, tackling a team puzzle or receiving the harshest criticism possible. I determine what would be the best avenue for me if I was in the situation. This is important because I’m learning to put myself in another person’s shoes and think about the pros and cons of the situation.

Lastly, not every day is going to be great, but if you are with your loved ones, teammates or know what you are doing will achieve your final goal or dream, it’s worth it. I’m constantly amazed with the support people give each other in extreme situations. I’m also amazed at the lack of support many times. Stressful situations tell you who you can depend on. It reminds you of the importance of creating strong relations with people.

Yes, I’m a reality TV addict, but I can’t talk anymore, one of my shows is on.