I have been struggling with some adult decisions for the past couple of months. I am trying to relocate, find a way to generate income and kick off my personal health initiative (I don’t like the word “diet”). My bad habit of procrastination is exacerbated by my need for fantasy. Binge watching TV is how I cope. I get to escape my own problems to judge someone else’s personal experiences that are skillfully edited and professionally manicured by network television.  The binge this month started a little differently. This show made me feel like a lazy piece of shit and I loved it. Yes, the somewhat antiquated reality TV show Survivor has pulled me out of a my personal rut. Here are 5 ways this TV show gave me an instant attitude adjustment.

1. The Bodies: Most of the contestants dare to flaunt their pretty damn close to perfect physique in next to nothing on national television and I am in awe. I have a guttural response if I even catch a glance of myself naked in the mirror after I get out of the shower. Yes, the moral turpitude of some of the players is questionable at best, but god damn, at least they are keeping it together physically.

2. Jeff Probst: Easily one of the coolest personalities on television. Jeff has the ability to connect with an array of characters from diverse backgrounds. I have seen him talk people off the cliff of self destruction, push people past the boundaries of their physical ability and stir the pot of interpersonal conflict. This guy is not only a master of psychological probing and courage counseling, he’s got a great heart. Jeff Probst is the founder of the Serpentine Project, a non profit program dedicated to helping children that are transferring out of foster care. The program motivates kids to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. I have started to here Jeff’s voice as I see my outlook inbox pile up at work. “You’re gonna have to dig deep.” #Blueshirtmotivation #WhatWouldJeffProbstDo

3. Personal Conflict Resolution: Most of the contestants on Survivor are competing for the money, but there is the occasional cast member that is out to prove something, either to themselves or others, and it makes for some intense motivational material. The Survivor elements, the physical challenges and the dynamic social constructs, push the contestants past their societal needs and help them understand their personal inefficiencies on a deeper level. It can be heart wrenching, devastating, riveting and uplifting all at the same time.

4. The Challenges:  This is the part I love. These creatively designed challenges test every competitors mentally and physically. Men and women can celebrate their physical and mental distinctions by competing in challenges with rope courses and puzzles. That’s not even the best part! The athletic prowess of some of the contestants is unbelievable. Ozzy Lusth is one of my all time favorite athletes, not just Survivor contestants. This kid can swim, run, jump and climb like I have never seen before. He harpoons fish nearly 20 ft. under water and climbs high into the trees to provide his tribe with coconuts. I would love to find a boot camp that would allow me to compete in Survivor like challenges and if I can’t find one, I’m going to make my own.

5. Adventure: I cannot stop salivating over the incredible locations featured on Survivor. Viewers get to watch the contestants compete in some of the most ruthless elements on earth and the organizational nut job inside of me dreams of the magnificent packing list I would compile to prepare myself for the trip. This weekend I was watching an episode where host, Jeff Probst, was addressing a quitter among the competitors. “Some people like to watch adventure from their couch and should never venture into the unknown.” This quote resonated deeply with me. I crave adventure but many of my actions indicate that I am uninspired and boring. I need to get active and start chasing adventure instead of watching it from my living room.

What motivates you? Comment below or tweet me @mermaidmanifes!