You Can't Judge a Book...
It is American Idol time again! You know that I am a huge fan of the show. I usually agree with (the mostly disagreeable) Simon Cowell on the performances of the finalists. He is tough, but most of the time tells the truth. Simon also is a part of a show in Britain called, Britain's Got Talent. We have an American version of this show that usually airs in the summer. Thank goodness I am not addicted to that one!
This morning a friend of mine told me to go to youtube.com to view a video of a woman named Susan Boyle. She was a contestant on the British show. He said I would be blown away. At noon, while on-line, AOL prompted me to watch the video and I just did.
Susan Boyle is a 47-year-old woman. She has a heavy accent and is not your typical star. In fact, when she walked on stage and began speaking, you could see audience member's skeptical faces, and actually more than skepticism, derision. (Mockery, disrespect, scorn etc.) When asked what her dream was, she said she wanted to sing like a famous British singer. Eyes were rolling, faces being made at her-people actually whispering to each other.
And then she started singing!
The jeering faces turned into looks of disbelief. The judges couldn't believe the exquisite and powerful voice from this unlikely woman. She wowed the crowd. After the first verse they were on their feet cheering for her. When she finished, everyone, including Simon, agreed that they had made a terrible misjudgment.
It got me thinking about how many times we misjudge others. Based on their looks, their prior behavior, or others opinions of them. Are we too quick to dismiss people because we think they will let us down? Look around your workplace. Is there someone who you've rolled your eyes at? Who you've underestimated - that, given the right circumstances, might blow you away? Give 'em a second glance. There is probably someone you know right now who is waiting for that special moment to show you what they've got! Give them that chance and enjoy the extraordinary feelings you both will have.
Take a couple of moments to enjoy Susan's performance on Youtube and have a great day!
P.S. Have you seen my television appearance? I was on WTNH, Channel 8 which is an ABC affiliate. The actual segment that Thriving In Chaos was featured on was Connecticut Style. You can watch the TV appearance on my website, at www.ThrivingInChaos.com.
Tracy
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Tracy Knofla
High Impact Training
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