Donny Osmond – A Positive Role Model for a New Generation

Who would imagine thirty five years later, after majorly crushing on Donny Osmond, I would be bringing him up as a positive role model to my own teenagers. But that is exactly what I have done. While having this conversation with them, I realized that he could also contribute this same positive influence to an online marketing community that may only think of Donny as an entertainer.

When comparing Donny's career and life, all 52 years of them come this December 9th; you begin to understand that this man has so many wonderful facets to explore. Like a rare diamond, with each facet you get a glimpse into what really makes him shine and what has led him to become the beautiful person he is today.

For those of us looking on the outside in, life appears to be all roses for those who entertain us. We place these people on pedestals and forget they have flaws and imperfections like the rest of us. They wear the fancy clothes, drive expensive cars, eat at all the great restaurants, hang out with the "in" people, etc. And when one of them manages to fall, we almost take delight in seeing the rug pulled out from underneath them.

Everyone, no matter what profession you choose or path in life you lead, has to go through trials and tribulations. It's what makes us a stronger, wiser and a more compassionate human being. Donny Osmond was no exception to this rule. And what he has learned along the way is a great testament to the man he has become.

When Life Deals You Lemons, You Make Lemonade

Donny began his singing career at the tender age of five when he and his brothers appeared on the Andy Williams show. They became regulars on Andy's show where their talents were showcased frequently. They also around this time began touring all over the US, Europe and Asia.

Sadly, Donny admits that what he truly wanted when he was 5 was to be in the comfort of his own home; let's face it, at 5 most of us were playing with our Tonka trucks in a nearby sandbox. But on the flipside imagine all the wonderful life experiences and education that he received from visiting all these places that cannot be taught or found in a classroom.

At age 14, when most of us were enjoying the ups and downs of puberty, Donny's experience with this part of his life were much different. We all got to witness Donny growing up under the scrutiny of a microscope. All we had to do was pick up the latest issue of Tiger Beat and any other teen tabloid magazine and see pictures of Donny and his siblings plastered all over the cover.

On the upside, he was also beginning to sing duets with his equally talented sister, Marie. They went on to host their own variety show, The Donny & Marie Show. It broke Donny's heart and surely bruised his ego when their show was canceled instead of him and his sister being able to say they were ending the show on their terms. Did this stop Donny from wanting to entertain for a living? NO! Keep in mind; he and Marie earned the title of the youngest prime time television hosts ever in the The Guiness Book of World Records an they also won a People's Choice award.

"Sometimes you're gonna find nothing goes the way you planned,
but whatever's on your mind I will try to understand"
~ Lyrics from Donny's song, Whenever You're in Trouble

Flash forward a few years, Donny is in his 40's, releasing a new album, his first where he has written all of his own music. He's getting ready to release this album, his career is healthy and while taking a family vacation in Hawaii, he suffers a neck injury in a freak body surfing accident. They tell him he may never sing again. Donny perseveres, goes through surgery where he has a metal plate inserted behind his Adam's apple. He spends the next 3 months in intense therapy to regain the voice, his instrument that they told him he would never use again.

In this day and age where we are witnessing more and more of steroid use among our sports players so they can be bigger, stronger players; entertainers who are in and out of rehab as if it's a spa retreat to get away from life, it's nice to have someone like Donny Osmond as a positive role model.

Donny has faced much adversity in his lifetime and has met each one head on and risen above it. My favorite aspect of his personality has got to be his incredible sense of humor as demonstrated by this YouTube video.

What began as a teenybopper's crush back in the 70's has become one of admiration and respect for the man, husband, father and grandfather he has become in this present day and age. I want to give something back to Donny since he has given so much of himself to his adoring public over the last 5 decades. I have recently become a member of the Donny Osmond Fan Club so that I can keep up with what Donny is currently involved in.

If you would like to show your appreciation as well, here are a few things you can do. Donny is currently competing on Dancing with the Stars. He is doing a fantastic job and he's quite the dancer. Tonight, he and his partner, Kym Johnson will be dancing the Quick Step. Be sure to catch the show and text or dial in your vote for the two of them so that we can bring them back each week for another go-round on the dance floor!!

Purchase his autobiography, "Life is What You Make It: My Story So Far" . Donny discusses his battle with social phobia, a common but debilitating anxiety disorder that threatened not only his career, but his very life as well.

Donate to one of his charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Best Buddies, The Children's Miracle Network, and The One Heart Foundation.

Call your local radio station and request his latest song to be played. "I Have You to Thank!"

Now, as I share my past with my sons, I realize I share my future as an entrepreneur with them as well. Donny Osmond and entrepreneurs have much more in common than you might think. Donny, I have you to thank!