Sam Armytage: ‘You have to kiss a lot of frogs’
The Sunrise co-host reflects on how binge watching television over the past few months helped her figure out her strategy for life.
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Like millions of others during isolation, I watched absolutely everything on Netflix (including the credits). And despite having not been near a basketball court since age 12, plus having zero knowledge of the Chicago Bulls’ mid-’90s playing roster, I completely loved The Last Dance.
I was awestruck by Michael Jordan’s athleticism and leadership. I loved and felt a kinship with Scottie Pippen (anyone else feel underpaid for their enormous talents?).
But it was Dennis Rodman who, in my non-basketballing-but-interested-in-human-nature brain, stood out. And not just for his hairstyles... “I’ll play the game for free,” he said at one point. “It’s the bullsh*t they pay you for.”
Have you noticed there’s a lot of talk about game-playing lately? And it’s not just that the footy’s back – it’s game-playing in life. There’s a Big Brother reboot forcing us all to question whether it’s better to be a Kieran or an Angela.
There’s our state premiers competing constantly on COVID-control. And then, game of drones... a US election on the way.
Albert Einstein once said, “Life is just like a game. First you have to learn the rules of the game. And then, play it better than anyone else.”
Now, Alby E was apparently 5’7” and, like me, probably only dipped a toe into basketball in Year 7. And if he was alive now, I imagine, would vote for Joe Biden. But I think he had more in common with Dennis Rodman than we may have previously thought.
We start out in childhood learning the ropes of life through Monopoly and Hungry Hungry Hippos. In adolescence we move through to Mario Kart or Fortnite. Or maybe even learn strategy from the freezing sideline of a basketball court in Cooma.
Then it’s a slippery slope through MAFS and Netflix documentaries to discover how to be an adult.
Before you know it, you could be discovering the theory of relativity or playing defence for the Chicago Bulls. Or if you’re not that bright, you may even end up President of the United States.
Then it’s the retirement years full of crosswords and golf. The game of life is about strategy. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Experience is king. No, consistency is king. Who dares wins.
You must choose the right subjects at school, drink more water, learn to ask for a raise, kiss a lot of frogs (not a great strategy, I admit!). Work out your values, beliefs and morals. I’m match-fit and this game is exhausting, even though I’m only at half-time...
I honestly can’t decide whether to be a Kieran or an Angela – lie, scheme and hide out in the Diary Room, or be honest and get voted out in the second week? I ask you: what exactly is wrong with instant gratification and procrastination?
I’ve decided I’d like to cherry pick from the Bulls’ “Big Three” – I’ll take MJ’s work ethic, Pippen’s humility and heart, and Rodman’s carefree attitude. (But I’ll pass on the friendship with Kim Jong Un.)
My strategy for life? Play hard, be present and don’t be fearful. And if you do happen to get dismantled by the front office, enjoy the off-season.
Samantha co-hosts Sunrise, 5.30am weekdays, on the Seven Network.