Season five of Shark Tank premiered this week, and to say I was excited would be an understatement.

After months of waiting for the new season, I snuggled into my spot on the couch and tuned in. I’m not a fan of reality TV, but something about Shark Tank resonated with me a few years ago. I remember my husband watching one day, and after watching for a few, I was hooked. But why?

Shark Tank is about the American dream of owning your own business and building its success. It’s about everyday people who dream big, create a product or service, and try to get it out to the masses. And of course, it’s about making money.

I think we’ve all fantasized about being our own boss and working our own schedule. Some of us are bored with our jobs, some of us have great ideas, and some know there’s more to life than working 8-5 Monday through Friday for the rest of our lives. Shark Tank gives us hope.

The Show

I won’t bore you with a full review, so here’s a quick summary: Entrepreneurs deliver a quick presentation and try to convince the five investors to join in their venture. Sound boring? I thought so too. I was wrong.

The show’s perfect mix of drama and reality make it a must-see. The Sharks can be ruthless but fair. They sometimes do fight over a business or product, but it’s usually when something is a really great idea or really successful. Other times, there are some really bad ones, and it’s pretty entertaining to watch the presenter get eaten alive.

Life Lessons

Shark Tank is on our list of Inspiration and Resources because it’s a reminder that with hard work, long hours, and dedication you can achieve your goals. Some of my favorite success stories are those business that received an investment, allowing them to expand and create new jobs in our country.

The Sharks are funny, sympathetic, and real investors who give good advice to small business owners – whether they receive an investment or not. Sometimes they’re wrong, but that’s the beauty of the show. At the very least, the entrepreneurs benefit from appearing on the show by also presenting in front of millions of people.

I face palm at least once during the show from either a horrible idea or from asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Watching the show inspires me to figure out what I want to do with my life. I keep a list of ideas and products. I don’t talk myself out of anything, and I know the only person holding me back is me.

If you haven’t seen the show, you should give it a shot to at least see some products and ideas people like you have developed into a business plan. You never know what you’ll achieve if you set your mind to it.

Enjoy a sample of the show!