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What Scotland’s Susan Boyle Means For You and Me

Susan Boyle didn’t discover overnight that she could sing. She’s been doing it since grade school and she has sung locally for years — steps that obviously prepped the 47-year-old Scottish sensation to shine on Britain’s Got Talent with her stirring rendition of I Dreamed a Dream.


“I am happy the way I am, short and frumpy,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
Good for her. And great for people everywhere who were cheered by this Cinderella tale—coming as it does in the midst of a continuing recession, when the bright spots seem few and far between on everyone’s horizon.

As such, the YouTube video of Boyle went viral with nearly 70 million record-breaking downloads. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving woman.

Boyle’s five minutes of fame is bound to expand considerably with record, book, speaking and movie deals.

What happened to her is a reminder that it’s never too late in life to take a chance—even if on the surface your chances seem slim and people initially snicker, as Simon Cowell and the other judges did when Boyle took the stage.

Yes, the world can be a pretty shallow place and outward appearances count so much, but Boyle is obvious proof positive that not all books can be judged by their covers. That’s why not all rich, famous or successful people look as if they came from central casting.

Don’t let people’s preconceived notions hinder your dreams. If you’re terrified of taking the next step, of going for that brass ring, keep Susan Boyle’s story close to you. Watch her again on YouTube.

What seeds have you been planting that are now ready to blossom?

Pick up the phone and call someone you’ve been hoping to connect with. Send an email to people who should know what an asset you’d be to their organization. Attend an event where you’d normally be too intimated to go. Speak up to offer ideas and opinions when you’d otherwise remain silent.

You don’t have to take the stage in front of millions of people to sing your way to victory. Teeny steps along the way, done purposefully, will lead you there.

Comments

  1. Susan

    Susan Boyle’s story is something that has happened to women for many years-we don’t fit the “mold” or we are “too old” but we just need to first believe in ourself, stick our neck out and go for it!

  2. Doris

    I think its great for women who have the desire with a sense of urgency to let the world know they are still viable, with something to offer and not afraid to take a chance and experience with life could offer if they just get off their laurels and just do it. Had Ms. Boyle not taken this opportunity it would just be another day in the life of a Frumpy women now its an Exciting Frumpy Women!! Much Love, we should take her cue!! Bravo!!!

  3. Kudos to Susan Boyle. I hope she goes all the way. I try to convince all of my clients to take chances and shoot for the stars.
    Deborah James, CPRW, CCMC

  4. Rachelle

    When I heard about Susan Boyle, I didn’t see the clip on YouTube for about a week. In that time, I had envisioned a remarkably ugly person with facial hair and warts, due to the comments that were circulating all around my social sphere. When I finally saw the video, I was shocked. She looks perfectly normal. Sure the eyebrows might be a little thick for some people’s standards, but my god she is not someone I would consider ugly. The fact that this is such a media sensation I think shows just how shallow our society really is.

  5. Patricia Moore

    Thank you for writing this I needed to read the article, and plug back into my talents and dreams.
    I am going to take your advice I am older than Ms.
    Boyle and my gifts are different however I will endeavor to learn how to promote myself.
    Thank you again.

  6. Anonymous

    Let’s not be naive here…her performance was totally staged to make the show more interesting. It was all acting. Sure she can sing, but it was totally staged!

  7. Evelyn Dow

    I think the outcome for this young lady is just wonderful and that the majority of people (both men and women) should take a really good look at their own reactions to her just before she began to sing. Everyone has talents and skills that are not obvious or don’t meet your expectations of what such a person should look like. Many times until you work with that person, their skills and /or knowledge are not completely revealed. The immediate reaction by the judges before she sang was shameful and discriminatory- they need some attitude adjustments. None of us is perfect – the lady would not have been there unless she had already demonstrated some of her talent. Never-the-less, those people chose to judge her on appearence- wonder how they would fare with group of randomly selected peers- might be enlightening to them.
    This is just one example of the predudice people who are “different” face. We need to rethink how we look at others and remember that we all have talent of one kind or another-prejudging a person based on appearance is not helpful and might rob their establishment of a superbly talented employee!!

  8. Holly Faust

    Your comments were exactly how I felt when I first listened to Susan! I have listened and re-listened and have been inspired. She is genuine and pure and gutsy!
    So if she did this in front of millions, what is the big deal with the little steps that I need to take to do what I want? I also like your comment about the fact that she has been taking steps all along the way. What steps have I taken? If I count them I am much further along than I thought.
    I took your Webinar “Work from Home” and am taking baby steps to getting to that point. I like what Joyce Meyer has said, “Do it afraid!” When we face fear we can let it run our lives or we can do it afraid!
    Thanks for your seminars and webinars. They are inspiring and you are inspiring as well.

  9. Theresa

    I think this is very much needed. With the many devastations going on, people need to still be encouraged to move forward and to never give up on their dreams. As long as there is life there is hope. Thanks

  10. Minerva W

    Susan’s story is truly inspiring. To share a bit of my experience, I was recently laid off and I have been job hunting as I never have before. I have seen Tory many times on GMA and always listen and take her advice and put them into play.
    Just last week I had a flash of inspiration and decided to invest a small sum of money and start a small home based business. This will not make me rich overnight but it is something to keep me occupied and sane 🙂 I am very enthusiastic about this venture and cannot wait to bring my people skills into the game.
    In these times more than ever, one should go for the gusto, never put limits on your aspirations. Like Susan Boyle take that leap and go for it!
    Wish me luck!

  11. Maritza A. Mercado

    I was inspired by Susan Boyle. You see I am a 48 year old hispanic female that work all her life and today I am without a job. I have tried to start a business using my computer but have not been lucky yet. Because of my age I feel that my chances to get a job is not as easy as it might seem. People care too much about your outside appearance and I always get tangle with questions about myself. When Ms. Boyle took the chance to sign against all the people younger than her made me think about myself and not to be afraid to take chances no matter your age, how you look and you circumstances in life. For this I will always thank her. I hope and pray she wins.

  12. Betsy Wandtke

    You’re absolutely right. She is amazing and she is herself. She took a chance – she got out of her comfort zone and look what happened. I don’t think even she would’ve ever imagined it. I’ve experience this – it was worth every chance I took.
    Great article!

  13. Mary

    Susan Boyle’story has uplifted my spirit and reassured my goals. Good for her for standing against all odds, particularly in the theater-singing industry where preconceived “beautiful” physical appearance comes before talent. What a wake up call for people around the world not to judge others based on their appearance but on their content of their characters!
    This story has reassured me not to give up with one of my dreams, which is searching for a job in which I can apply my skills and knowledge after being laid off a year ago and become an asset to the organization that will hire me!

  14. Judith Dickson

    BRAVO…………

  15. Anonymous

    This article is soo powerful! I also wanted to note that she is unemployed. That’s what the caption said at the bottom of the screen next to her age. Go figure!

  16. Diana

    Those are inspiring words. How great would it be if your advice was taken by many. Pick up the phone and place that call, knock on that door or email that person, You know what I am talking about. I am
    I will let you know about it later. Susan knows what matters in this life. She has a wonderful gift and now she is going to share it with us. It’s a Great Day-Go out and open up your gift.

  17. Image Architect

    Susan Boyle demonstrates that talent is more important than image. However, humans are hardwired to judge people by their appearance, because it is a “shortcut” which saves time, according to social psychologists. As an image consultant, I wonder if the delightful and talented Ms. Boyle might not have been “discovered” much earlier had she tweaked her appearance just a bit.

  18. Donna

    I really appreciated the article. These are definitely difficult times and we all need to remember to stay pro-active, seek new challenges, believe in ourselves and never give up.
    Thank you.

  19. Audrey Johnson

    Thanks. I needed this today.

  20. Zetta

    What an inspiration to all of us who have ever dreamed a dream, but have failed to realize it. I have always wanted to be a Children’s Author, however, after receiving several rejection letters years ago, I finally gave up on trying to achieve my dream. Susan has really re-ignited the fire under my feet. Godspeed to you Susan. I hope that she serves as a reminder to all that with preseverance and faith, we can all reach for the Stars!

  21. Mona

    This is a very uplifting article. Thanks so much for writing it. With so much emphasis being placed on youth and beauty in this society,it makes some middle-aged ladies feel so very inadequate. Even though they have so much to offer and a lot more substance. Thanks for the encouragment!!!!!

  22. Elsie Morgan

    Many woman have married, had children and had to put their creative talents aside, never to think they should persue them again. Susan Boyle’s story is a wake up call for all older women in particular, including myself. My dream to have my own greeting cards produced is back on track, and I am going full speed ahead now. Susan’s story has certainly put a little pep in my step. I thank her so much for showing me the way to go.

  23. Susan Johnson

    I just want to say BRAVO! For her courage and your incouragement to all of us who dare to dream. I recently graduated with a BS in Engineering Technology. I am a 48 year old single parent who felt that my children needed me to be focused on them growing up, not school. They now are grown with careers of their own. I am still actively searching for employment as an Engineering Technologist, but I am welding and surviving. Thank you for the beautiful, uplifting article. Women need more of that. Inspirational!!!!!

  24. Kathy P. Sheppard

    Jennifer Hudson, you know her, the Academy Award Winner! Well, she was another “almost victim” of Simon Cowell’s disrespect of women when she was an American Idol contestant. He told her something like she was “too fat – too big” to be considered a serious contestant.
    Then he had to “eat crow” after she won the Academy Award. Who decided that these so-called “judges” could determine that you should look or be a certain way to be a winner! I don’t look like a “Barbie Doll” either and have never wanted to, but by God, you can bet your bottom dollar that I AM A WINNER in every sense of the word! Go Susan Boyle!!! You are a winner!!! So go forth and work the nerves of all those “crazy and superficial” folks who should know better than to judge a person on their looks and not allow them to thrive in their God-given talents, skills, abilities and gifts! Your character speaks volumes about your Who-ness, not your outward appearance! So YOU Go Girl!!
    So, that’s my 2-cents worth,
    Kathy P. Sheppard

  25. Wow! I moved to Hong Kong last week where my husband has accepted a great opportunity (for him!). I’m in flux trying to launch the “Hong Kong” office of my non-profit management consulting practice. I confess I have been harboring a bit of frustration and isolation.
    After learning Susan Boyle’s story I’m committed to jump off the “pity-express” and get out and meet people and make the connections necessary for my Hong Kong branch to succeed!
    Thanks for the excellent newsletters.
    Susan Madon

  26. sandy

    I have a cookie picture business that i do out of my house. I was always in fear of stepping out to the next level, but when I saw Susan Boyle sing it seem like I got this rush of faith that I could do anything.
    Thanks Susan
    Sandy

  27. Beverly Davis

    Powerful story. I’m encouraged to keep going!

  28. Anonymous

    God Bless you real good Susan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  29. Anonymous

    Hi Tory,
    You wrote, “it’s never too late in life to take a chance—even if on the surface your chances seem slim and people initially snicker” and “don’t let people’s preconceived notions hinder your dreams.”
    Great advice.
    What would you do if you had reached out for help to a respected person, someone to whom you’ve freely given information and public support, and a major misunderstanding results in your smack down? How would you proceed from there when the relationship is valued and you want to preserve it?

  30. I think that Susan Boyle is a wonderful women and i think she is beautiful. I
    write songs and poetry. I wrote a song entitled,”I’ve Got Graceland on my Mind!” Visit my URL:www.Myspace.com/reneebraxton. I am friends with priscilla presley on Myspace and i am in touch with Argo who is a DJ on Elvis Sirrius Radio. I am hoping that he will play my song on Elvis Radio. It is copyrighted and it is registered with BMI. I am a student,i work as a Home Health Aide and i have a daughter away at the University of Hartford. I am 45 and i hope to take a trip to ”Graceland” with my daughter-Lisa-Marie. Elvis is my idol! Take chances in life and that is when a person is really living! God-Bless.

  31. joy

    for a few days she insisted that she did not want a makeover; that she had never been kissed, and all the other endearing things that brought her such instant fame (besides ofcourse, her incredible voice)!!
    Well, this is the way of the world and much of that has gone by the wayside. She is already being “made over” and has”been kissed” and., – well I guess one gets the drift.
    It seems that even when we notice the exception to the oh-so-boring rule, the rule still has to be maintained. Being a mother of 2 daughters, I wish so much I could point out to them differently.

  32. Tina

    Dear Tory, and Everyone,
    I have always been told I should write. “One story,” my sisters and parents have told me, “and you’re on your way.”
    I have written two novels, never published…one has even been critiqued by Andre Norton, the grande dame of SF/fantasy, who was so far ahead of most women at the time–and blazed a trail for many others to follow. She told me my story was good but needed to be fleshed out.
    I was in my twenties when this happened, and I’d been corresponding to her for a long time(we wrote each other for ten years.). Now I am 57, and I wonder at my reluctance to do anything: I can paint, write poetry, play the pennywhistle, and have worked on learning Irish and Scots Gaelic on my own. I wonder at my lack of courage, and the yearning inside me hasn’t yet been answered.
    Susan Boyle shows me it can be done. My wish is to find a way to ‘make it so,’ to quote Jean-Luc Picard of STAR TREK fame.
    So where do I go from here?
    peace and love,
    Tina

  33. Tina

    Dear Tory, and Everyone,
    I have always been told I should write. “One story,” my sisters and parents have told me, “and you’re on your way.”
    I have written two novels, never published…one has even been critiqued by Andre Norton, the grande dame of SF/fantasy, who was so far ahead of most women at the time–and blazed a trail for many others to follow. She told me my story was good but needed to be fleshed out.
    I was in my twenties when this happened, and I’d been corresponding to her for a long time(we wrote each other for ten years.). Now I am 57, and I wonder at my reluctance to do anything: I can paint, write poetry, play the pennywhistle, and have worked on learning Irish and Scots Gaelic on my own. I wonder at my lack of courage, and the yearning inside me hasn’t yet been answered.
    Susan Boyle shows me it can be done. My wish is to find a way to ‘make it so,’ to quote Jean-Luc Picard of STAR TREK fame.
    So where do I go from here?
    peace and love,
    Tina

  34. Eddie May

    This is so true. The best thing about this event was that she did not let it stop her or care what the others thought.She knew what she could do. Just before going out she said I’m going to rock this audience and she did.

  35. Lang Hannan

    Happen to be seeking this and learned a lot more than anticipated post. Glad I found it.

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