This week is a busy one, even by Ryan Seacrest standards.
America’s favorite master of ceremonies is preparing to ring in the new year in Times Square at the helm of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, just as he has for the past several years.
He celebrated his 44th birthday on Christmas Eve by visiting a children’s hospital, a not uncommon occurrence for Seacrest, whose foundation is focused on children’s hospitals.
Production of American Idol, which is set to return in March, will probably hit high gear very soon, too.
In the midst of all this, he turns up on the small screen every weekday as co-host of the morning talk show LIVE with Kelly and Ryan. You’ll also hear him on the radio hosting On Air with Ryan Seacrest, American Top 40, and several other radio shows.
While you might not hear or see him, he’s the executive producer of some of pop culture’s most influential shows, including Keeping Up With the Kardashians and all its various spin-offs.
And did I mention that he also has his own men’s clothing line and skincare collection?
Over the years, it’s been nearly impossible not to bump into Seacrest on the red carpet as the host of American Idol or American Top 40. It takes moxie to take on all that Seacrest does. What’s his secret?
Some people are just born with moxie.
Seacrest might not have been born with a microphone in his hand, but it didn’t take long for him to find one. His mother remembers that while other boys were enthralled with GI Joe action figures, her son was pretending to talk into a microphone, interviewing people for his “radio show.”
The enthusiasm was more than a passing fancy. While growing up in Atlanta, Seacrest maintained his enthusiasm for broadcasting and even landed a job at a local radio station.
When a disc jockey became ill unexpectedly, Seacrest was tapped to step in and fill the spot. He did such a great job that he was offered his show overnight on weekends.
Sometimes, people with moxie are just born knowing what they are meant to do.
People with moxie build on a solid foundation.
Throughout his career, Seacrest has followed in the footsteps of greats. Most notably, Seacrest took the reigns from his childhood idol, Dick Clark. The influence of the legendary Clark on Seacrest is apparent. Just like his mentor, Seacrest presides with an easy, friendly demeanor. He serves as a proxy for every viewer at home, transporting them into the glittering, glamorous world of movie stars and musicians. He makes us part of the action without placing himself at the center of the story but instead shines the spotlight on the entertainers he is showcasing.
In taking on the co-hosting gig with Kelly Ripa, he joined a decades-long franchise that started with the venerable Regis Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford.
He also took over American Top 40 from the venerable Casey Kasem and On-Air from legendary Rick Dees.
Lesser souls might be intimidated to follow in the footsteps of greats like Dick Clark, Regis Philbin, Casey Kasem, and Rick Dees. But rather than chafe against comparisons, Seacrest seems to elevate and grow. He transitions into each new role with impeccable professionalism and manages to leave his mark without creating a total break with what’s gone before. There’s a sense of continuity to what he does.
It takes real moxie to build on others’ work and make it your own. Seacrest is a study in successful succession.
Great moxie requires good health.
How has Seacrest kept up with a schedule and commitments that would crush a lesser being? He owes it all to clean living; it would seem.
Seacrest works out daily, without fail, and keeps his diet clean and vegan. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t indulge; he says the weekends are for good food and great wine.
His present-day perfect health and appearance make the throwback photos of himself that he shares on social media even more enjoyable. Seacrest was a baby-faced teen with chubby cheeks just crying out to be pinched by a doting aunt.
As we prepare to start the new year, Seacrest’s example is good. He embraces all he has been in his life, from that chubby preteen to the picture of health he is today, but it’s clear that diet and exercise are fundamental to supporting his strong work ethic and hearty embrace of life.
It’s an example I’ll keep in mind myself when it’s time to make my own New Year’s Resolutions.
What are your New Year’s Resolutions? How will you make 2019 your most moxie year yet?