Lord knows that I have “real” work I should be doing, but I can’t stop thinking about Susan Boyle.
Two days ago I posted a clip of her performance before the judges on a European American Idol-type show called “Britain’s Got Talent.” This morning, as I was getting dressed, I saw clips of her on Good Morning America. And, as I walked through the house a few moments ago I was drawn to the television again, only to see Susan Boyle clips on The View.
I hope The View producers put video of the subsequent discussion online because it was interesting to hear the ladies discuss Boyle. It was unfortunate, however, that the conversation turned — as it often does with a group of women — to physical presentation. Boyle’s external appearance had little, if nothing to do with why I was drawn to the clip.
When I watch the clip I posted, or the expanded clip posted on YouTube, I am (and was from the beginning) struck by how she really seems to be doing this for nothing more than the pure joy of the doing. That is, when she stops singing, she throws a kiss to the audience and begins walking off the stage. She didn’t even wait around to hear what the judges had to say.
While there might be some psychological or sociological insights to be had in relation to that, I truly think that Boyle came, saw and conquered. Anything above what she already accomplished was gravy on an already incredible meal. I believe that is evidenced by her reactions to the judges. It wasn’t that she didn’t expect to be chosen, it was that being selected for the program wasn’t her true aim.
I think the larger lesson in Boyle’s story for all of us is that we should do those things that we dream of doing, even when they scare us. The most important thing is that we don’t do it for others. We don’t do it because we are expected to do it, or because we are supposed to do it. We should do it because of something inside ourselves.
