In watching “Dancing With the Stars,” did you ever wonder what it would be like to be on the show?

You’re closer than you think.

In a very real sense, everyone is living a version of “Dancing With the Stars.”

Just consider the format. The dancers get a certain period of time — one week — to prepare. Then they must perform and get judged.

Isn’t that just like life? In school, you get a certain amount of time to study, then you take a test. In sports, you get a certain amount of time to practice, then you play a game.

It all comes down to what you do with the amount of preparation time you’re given.

On “Dancing With the Stars,” you get a glimpse of how the couples spend their practice time. Sometimes they argue, sometimes they cooperate. Sometimes they focus well, sometimes they don’t.

But here’s the key. The preparation time is entirely in their control. It’s a matter of decisions that they make, and the commitment they show toward getting the job done.

What if your practice time was on television? What kind of reality how would that be? Would it be a comedy? Or would it be a documentary on how to excel?

Remember, it’s your choice.