10 Lessons Jeopardy Can Teach You About Being A Winner

If you’re not familiar with the show Jeopardy, you’re likely either not from the USA (even though it has been syndicated all over the world), or you’re one of those rare people who do not watch television.

This popular quiz show has been on the air for over half a century, and it’s won 39 Emmys and a Peabody – more awards, in fact, than any other US game show. There are even some fans who have used the Jeopardy theme tune for their wedding music!

Watching Jeopardy can be fun, as a family activity (provided you don’t let any disagreements become too heated, of course), and educational. You never know what potentially useful (or useless) facts you might learn – about the world, its people, the wildlife, inventions, the arts, and so on.

As an aside, is any fact truly useless? After all, you cannot say for certain that you will never need to know that information. While you may have no use for it now, that doesn’t make it not worth knowing.

But if you dig a little below the surface, it offers so much more – it’s a useful resource that can teach you how to win more victories over the challenges in your own life.

Let’s see what Jeopardy can teach you about how to be a winner.

Ask Questions

According to the show’s creator, Merv Griffin, having a quiz show where the contestants’ responses were phrased as questions instead of the more usual answers was merely a gimmick.

Now, however, it’s not only the show’s trademark feature, it also underscores the importance of being inquisitive – a trait most children have that is, sadly, wrung out of us as we pass through the education system and grow older.

When asking questions, try the following techniques:

1. Remember your purpose. There are many benefits to asking questions. For example, you can gain information, resolve misunderstandings, and make others feel important. We tend to ask fewer questions once we leave our childhood behind us, so work at maintaining your curiosity.

   When I was young, finding the answers to questions often involved a trip into town with your parent(s) to visit the library, but these days, with the world at your fingertips, there really is no excuse for not asking questions and trying to find the answers.

2. Establish priorities. While kids often talk about whatever is on their mind, adults are expected to be more selective. Your friends and colleagues at work are more likely to give you the answers you’re looking for if you respect their time and privacy.
3. Be open. Unless you want one-word answers, make your questions open-ended (i.e. as opposed to closed). You’ll not only seem friendlier, but you’ll also learn more about others’ thoughts and feelings. (You might also like this article on how to ask effective questions.)
4. Be neutral. You should welcome different perspectives instead of trying to validate your position. Watch out for loaded questions, because those will only encourage others to tell you what you want to hear rather than what they truly think.

Continue Learning

Asking questions is a great start, but once you find an answer, it shouldn’t stop there. I remember when I was young, I was the proverbial child who always asked “Why?“

Often, you’ll find that the initial answer leads you to additional questions, and so on. The search for knowledge is never-ending, but that does not mean the quest isn’t worthwhile. Personally, I feel that a day when I didn’t learn something new is a day wasted.

And getting back to Jeopardy, the top contestants, the ones who keep returning, are great role models for the benefits of accumulating new knowledge and skills.

Try the following strategies to help you include learning in your daily routines:

1. Listen closely. The human brain is fantastic at filling in the gaps, but sometimes there is a cost to this – you make assumptions that turn out to be false. In the case of conversations, we often think we know what the other person is about to say, so we stop listening – and then we might miss something important.

   This means you need to pay close attention to what others have to say. Aside from not jumping to the wrong conclusions, it will help build trust and strengthen your relationships.

   As part of this active listening, try to make eye contact, show your enthusiasm, and focus on the message you’re receiving instead of using the time to rehearse your response.

2. Read. Consuming books both online and in print can boost your brain power and increase your vocabulary. Studies have also shown that reading helps you to empathize with others and handle stress better. Lastly, if you’re a parent, your example may also encourage your children to read more since they mimic what they see those around them doing.
3. Take courses. The Internet makes it easy to continue your education without having to go back to school full-time. You can earn certifications related to your work, learn new skills (which may in turn help you start your own business), or simply increase your knowledge on subjects that interest you. My personal choice for online courses is Udemy, but there are plenty of other sites out there.

Persevere Through Obstacles

If there were ever a year full of obstacles, then 2020 would be it – during my lifetime, at least. The responses to the coronavirus scare have affected millions of people in profound ways, from losing their business or job, to feelings of isolation through lockdown policies with increased mental health problems (e.g. depression, suicide attempts) as a consequence.

And COVID-19 has even interrupted Jeopardy. They apparently ran out of pre-taped shows after airing new episodes five nights a week for 11 months each year since 1984. And then, the long-time host Alex Trebek died as a result of cancer. Even so, they are carrying on with new streaming options.

Try the following strategies to help you persevere through obstacles:

1. Think positive. Try to be cheerful during difficult times – not just now, as I write this, but in general. Practise self-care and remember that current conditions are temporary. One way to take your mind off your own situation is by giving back to others in your community with volunteer work and through random acts of kindness. (You might also find this article about positive thinking helpful.)
2. Focus on growth. Use adversity to fuel your personal development. By reflecting on your experiences, you can evaluate your progress and come up with more effective strategies. (You might like to check out my ten-lesson course on introspection.)
3. Ask for help. Build a network of support. Whether this includes your family, your friends, your coworkers, or even the assistant at stores you frequent, you need to let them know what you require (but respect their time and boundaries, of course).

   You should also consider talking with a professional therapist online or in person if you’re struggling. Your doctor can provide referrals, you can call a local helpline, or you can search for one on the Internet. If this idea concerns you, then it did me too – until I went to one when I was chronically depressed, and found it helped.)

Conclusion

While it would be great to win a game show, whether the reward is cash or simply bragging rights, it’s even better to win off stage, in real life.

So let Jeopardy inspire you to ask, “What are my goals and how can I reach them?”

Additional Resources

These are suggestions for those who wish to delve deeper into any of the above:

1. Active Listening Course
2. Find A Therapist (US only)
3. Udemy