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My favorite podcast No Stupid Questions has a new episode on the importance of enthusiasm that I really enjoyed. The listener contributed segment of the episode brought up how SpongeBob is the perfect role model for enthusiasm. I grew up watching a lot of SpongeBob SquarePants so this caught my attention. As a result, I decided to re-watch the show (it holds up well) to observe his behaviors. Below are my observations of the sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea.

His job is his calling

SpongeBob loves his job as a cook at the Krusty Krab. It’s a part of his identity and something that he cares a lot about. He is constantly honing and improving his skills. Whenever he is in front of the grill, it is his world and nothing else matters. He can only do this because he loves being a cook. It’s well known that he and Squidward don’t get paid much, but becoming rich isn’t a priority to SpongeBob. He was able to find a job that makes him happy and it pays him enough to live the simple life he wants. This is something we should all strive for.

Balance in life

Even though he loves his job, SpongeBob does good in finding hobbies outside of work. Jellyfishing (underwater version of catching butterflies) is something he does regularly with his best friend Patrick. Catching and interacting with Jellyfish brings him great joy, even to the point where he tries to live amongst them. Having hobbies to take your mind off of work and the stresses of life is very important not just for sea critters, but also humans.

He is persistent

SpongeBob sucks at driving. He sucks so much that he constantly fails to get his driver's license, causing his instructor Mrs. Puff great distress. Despite this, SpongeBob keeps trying and trying, most notably with a positive attitude. Successful, happy people have this same characteristic of being extremely persistent. They do this by not letting failure and the prospect of failure bring them down. It’s okay to suck, it’s not okay to give up if you really want it.

Friends and family

SpongeBob does well in managing his relationships with his friends and family. He has close friends in Patrick, Sandy, and Squidward, while also having friends all over town (think of Larry the Lobster and Perl). He also visits his parents every so often and loves them very much. It’s important to live life with good company, both to share laughs and sometimes to share sorrows.

Creative despite judgment

There are two great episodes where we can see SpongeBob’s creativity shine. The first is when he and Patrick use their Imagination to have endless amounts of fun with an empty box. Despite Squidward’s doubt and criticism, they stay true to their creativity and have a day filled with wonder and laughs.

In another episode, SpongeBob creates colorful Krabby Patties. Mr. Krabs, owner of the Krusty Krab, doesn’t believe in his invention and scoffs at the idea of it being successful. But SpongeBob doesn’t care. He creates his own burger stand and sells tons of colorful Krabby Patties. His confidence and willingness to be creative allow him to be successful. These are surefire characteristics that will get one far in the real world.

Be weird, live in a pineapple

A lot of what SpongeBob does can make a viewer ask “Why?”. I’d imagine if SpongeBob could respond, he would reply with “Why not?” and then do his wonderful gaggly laugh. Being weird and doing abnormal things is fun. It also makes you question the norm and allows you to pave your path. You only got one life, why not live in a pineapple?

Bring others up, don’t let them get you down

Squidward is the opposite of SpongeBob. Boring, judgy, and unpleasant. Despite this, SpongeBob still loves to hang out with him and (tries to) involve him in his activities. He does everything he can to brighten Squidward’s day despite Squidward always bringing down the mood. This is something that requires practice and great patience and is extremely admirable. Have SpongeBob’s attitude towards life and those around him. Don’t be a Squidward.

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SpongeBob SquarePants may be a silly kid's show, but it has a lot of important life lessons. Emulating positive characters like SpongeBob can improve our lives tenfold. So whenever I am feeling down or lost in life, I remember to ask myself, “What would SpongeBob do?”.

Thanks for reading and here are my other blog posts if interested!