What Breadwinner Moms Can Learn From Susan Boyle
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 11:00AM 
Susan Boyle - Britain's Got Talent 2009 Episode 1If you haven't already seen the video of Susan Boyle singing "I Dreamed A Dream" on Britain's Got Talent, you probably will soon. It's everywhere. People can't get enough of it. I am one of those people.
Here's a short recap for those of you who haven't yet seen the clip: Susan Boyle comes on stage. She is an older woman, kind of funny looking, who announces that she wants to be a singer. The audience hoots and hollers derisively. The judges roll their eyes. We all wait for the inevitable disastrous performance, followed by scathing critiques from the judges, followed by howls of laughter. It never comes. Instead, this unlikely singer begins singing - and she is amazing.
The audience reaction to her incredible performance is immediate. They clap, and scream, and rise to their feet in appreciation. They love her. They have forgotten everything they thought about her just seconds before. They are inspired by her talent, and by her refusal to let them silence her.
As breadwinner moms, what can we learn from this? At least 3 things:
1. Even if the whole world thinks you are destined to fail, it doesn't mean that you will. Don't put too much stock in what everyone else thinks. In my experience, women are especially likely to make this mistake. If you have a dream, and you believe in your heart of hearts that you can achieve it, then ignore the naysayers and go for it. What makes you think other people know more about your abilities than you do?
2. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. It's an oldie but goodie - one of those expressions that's overused because it's true. Susan Boyle tried her whole life to become a singer and only now has she attained any kind of recognition. Imagine if she had decided to quit trying the day before her audition for Britain's Got Talent. I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes - "only she who attempts the absurd can achieve the impossible." Wish I could tell you who said it first, but I have no idea. The point is that whoever said it was right. Sometimes you have to try something that seems ridiculous in order to find out what you're really capable of.
3. You never know what the future will hold. Especially in these difficult economic times, it can be easy to start believing that the way things are is the way they will always be. Trust me when I tell you it's not true. You just never know what's around the corner. Don't allow yourself to get stuck in a swamp of negativity. Keep trying. Keep going. And whatever you do, don't give up. Tomorrow could be your big day.
What do you think, readers? Have you seen the Susan Boyle video? Did it inspire you or make you think about things a little differently? Or are you already sick of hearing about it? Share your thoughts!
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Reader Comments (3)
Moving through the hard stages of learning and changing and building better habits for ourselves and our families teaches us how to attain success and it sustain once we have it.
Could Susan Boyle have received this level of admiration if she were 22? Would she know what she wanted to do with it? Part of the reason she IS such a huge surprise success is her age and her attitude - both required a lot of learning (ok and time!)
For all our 'hurry up i am running out of time' loops in our heads - it's kind of nice to know that time and age arent aways against us!
Kate -
You are so right. Thanks for your comment!
Traci
I'm not sure Susan Boyle tried her whole life to be a singer. Sure, she wanted to be one, but did she really try beyond the borders of her town? The lessons I learn from her are (1) Go for it before it's too late, (2) Even if you didn't go for it before, it may not be too late now. It reminds me of a card I got from Baltimore's Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg years ago. I carried it in my wallet for over a decade until my wallet was lost. On one side it said "It's later than you think." On the other side, it said "It's never too late."