Lessons on Success from My Experience on "The Apprentice"
Written on
Embracing Failure as a Path to Success
If you’re reading this, it means my time on "The Apprentice" has come to an end, and yes, I’ve been let go. The journey began when I decided to audition for the latest season of the reality show "The Apprentice," where sixteen contestants face off in a series of business challenges.
Corporate acumen is crucial on the show, yet I had no corporate background. While I do have nearly ten years of martial arts experience and run a small sports events company, my skills in these areas only somewhat prepared me for the unique version of "The Apprentice" that included physical challenges alongside traditional business tasks.
Ultimately, I struggled with the corporate presentations, but here’s the twist: if I had let my lack of experience deter me from applying, I would have missed the opportunity altogether. I could have been watching from the sidelines, consumed by envy and the haunting “what if” thoughts.
When I submitted my application, I was aware that being selected was a long shot. Even after making it through three rigorous interviews, I understood the likelihood of being fired was high. Yet, I chose to give it my all, and that decision is why I’m sharing these lessons with you today.
To achieve remarkable things, you must embrace the unknown, step outside your comfort zone, and be open to failure. Thus, grant yourself the freedom to fail. Remember, failure is not the end; it’s often the first step toward success.
Preparation is Key to Achieving Success
Had I not prepared myself over the years, I wouldn’t have even been on the show. This may sound elitist, but it’s a simple truth. If I had only started my business when the audition announcements came out, it would have been too late. The same applies to my martial arts training; without sufficient preparation, I wouldn’t have been ready to compete.
I recognized early on that personal growth occurs during peaceful times, not in moments of crisis. Thus, I committed to self-improvement long before the cameras started rolling. Now, I’m reaping the benefits.
Consider this: who is more likely to succeed, the boxer who lounges until a fight is announced, or the one who trains year-round? The answer is clear. In life, true champions remain prepared. They focus on their goals and work hard consistently, waiting for the right moment to seize opportunities.
However, I must confess that I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. Leading up to the show, I was overwhelmed by stress. My business was suffering due to the pandemic, and I was navigating a complicated relationship that took an emotional toll on me.
In my haste, I cut corners—I bought my suits and did my research only a week before filming began. My fellow contestants, by contrast, arrived two weeks in advance, quarantining in hotels and thoroughly preparing for the challenges ahead. Their dedication was evident; one contestant even subjected herself to sleep deprivation to adapt to the show’s demanding schedule.
Spoiler alert: she won, and I didn’t.
Here’s a tough lesson: while being ultra-prepared doesn’t guarantee success, being unprepared almost always leads to failure. As Sun Tzu wisely noted, "Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win." Choose to prepare yourself well in advance.
Staying True to Your Values
Reality television can often reveal people's darker sides, and during filming, I witnessed contestants forming alliances and speaking ill of each other to get ahead. I opted not to engage in any of that, and I’m grateful I held true to my values.
I recognized that life extends beyond the show, and I wanted to emerge from the experience with my integrity intact. In times of high stress and competition, you will face challenges that test your core values. Temptations to compromise your principles will arise, but resist them.
Success is about maintaining your integrity, even when the pressure mounts.
Overcoming Naysayers
Recently, my girlfriend shared a TikTok video featuring a clip of my elimination from "The Apprentice," with the caption: "This is why Singaporeans can't find proper jobs…we're incompetent!" Initially, I would have reacted with anger, but I’ve learned to remain calm.
When you strive for something exceptional, naysayers will emerge. This is a natural occurrence. The key is to ignore negativity and focus on the support from those who uplift you. Amidst the toxic comments, countless others have approached me, expressing pride in my efforts on the show.
Walt Whitman once said, "Keep your face always toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you." Remember, haters will always exist; choose to focus on the positivity instead.
Identifying What You Truly Want
My experience on "The Apprentice" revealed a significant truth: I don’t want to be a businessman or entrepreneur—I want to be an artist. Initially, I entered entrepreneurship to support my artistic ambitions, launching a martial arts tournament company as a platform for competition.
However, I lost sight of my true passion amid the allure of entrepreneurship and financial success. After the show, I reevaluated my goals and realized that I despised the corporate lifestyle. I wanted to create art, not just make money.
I’ve since realigned my business to give me the time and resources to pursue writing, my true passion. "The Apprentice" inadvertently taught me that art should not be a side venture; it is the primary focus.
Learning from Mistakes
Being a contestant also taught me the importance of conscientiousness. I lost my spot on the show due to a minor yet significant error: grammatical mistakes in my copywriting. The pressure of the environment clouded my judgment.
In the boardroom, I was reminded that a lack of attention to detail can undermine your ability to manage a business effectively. After my elimination, I researched conscientiousness and learned it is a crucial predictor of success, even more so than intelligence or creativity.
I realized that I needed to improve my orderliness. I began journaling, organizing my space, and keeping track of my commitments. The results were transformative—my life became more structured, leading to a clearer mind.
Giving Back to Others
"A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit." — Greek Proverb
After "The Apprentice," I began working as a martial arts coach. I expected to teach classes without much recognition from my two episodes on the show. However, I was wrong—people recognized me, and my students were eager to learn from someone they considered a "celebrity coach."
This newfound recognition inspired my students to pay closer attention and apply themselves. I even had a young student present me with a detailed plan for his future, hoping to follow in my footsteps.
This experience reinforced the idea that success is not just about individual achievement but also about helping others grow and succeed.
Enjoying the Journey
The most crucial lesson I learned is to relish the journey. In the past, I often struggled to stay present, always looking ahead to the next goal. This mindset led to anxiety, overshadowing the enjoyment of my successes.
Before joining "The Apprentice," I resolved to enjoy the experience, regardless of the outcome. I embraced every moment, even during the most challenging times. Looking back, I cherish my time on the show, viewing it with fondness.
Life is a journey to be savored. Each experience, both good and bad, deserves appreciation. True success lies not just in reaching the summit but in valuing the steps taken along the way.
You have one life—live it fully and enjoy every moment. Chase your dreams, but remember to appreciate the adventure, as this is the true essence of success.