What is Secret Sauce for $600?
Jeopardy! Player: “Success for $600 please Alex.”
Alex Trebek: “Here’s your clue – Understand who you are and how you operate in the world, and maximize that understanding?”
Player: “What is Secret Sauce?”
Alex: “Correct for $600.”
Alex Trebek the host of the TV game show Jeopardy!, was a perfect example of Secret Sauce. He knew exactly who he was, what his genius was, never flaunted it, but maximized it throughout his life. Right from the early stages of his career, hosting the CBC academic quiz show Reach for the Top in the 60s, he figured out early on where he fit and never waivered.
High performing athletes, global entrepreneurs and other extraordinary people create habits, actions and lives that allow them to fully utilize their peak performance to be successful. The creation of that life surrounds who they are, what is important to them and re-enforces the best of who they are.
Everyone’s secret sauce is different, but the result is the same. Your secret sauce allows you to bring out the best in yourself. You think more clearly, make better decisions, feel great and have more confidence.
Secret Sauce has three components to it:
- Understand Who You Are. This is the self-awareness component. What are you the best at, what qualities of your personality bring out the best in you? These would be your skills, talents, strengths and aptitudes. For Alex, it was how he interacted with the players, his calm demeaner and voice. If you have seen the show, you can probably add to the list.
- How You Operate in the World. This is where your actions, environment and people you surround yourself with enhance your aptitudes, and natural abilities. From what I have read, Alex was interested in trivia, and the players. During his off-air time, his hobbies, philanthropy, and family life all gave him energy that allowed him to be the best he could be, which translated into his success as a TV host.
- Maximize That Understanding. This is where it all comes together, and you live the life you have created. The fact that Alex continued to host the show until he passed away, tells you that he was maximizing his understanding of who he was.
Alex Trebek may not have known about the idea of secret sauce, but that hardly matters. You don’t have to be world class in your endeavours, but rather be able to identify what is the best of you and what you need to do to surround yourself with the elements to bring out YOUR Secret Sauce.
