Scribblage

Talent

I was watching Oprah this afternoon while I was reading some books on leadership and Maxwell's new book titled, "Put Your Dreams to the Test."  Today's show was with Simon Cowell as they featured a satellite interview with none other than Ms. Susan Boyle of Britain's Got Talent fame.

Because my mind was already on the topic of considering what it takes to pursue and make your dreams work (I'll post a review of Maxwell's book some time soon!), I couldn't help but to watch the show and wonder, "These people weren't just lucky, they pursued their dreams and paid for them!"

Simon Cowell also made a guest appearance as a co-host for the show.  I've never disliked the guy, I think he's at the top of his game, and America has now seemed to side on the love side of this love-hate relationship (especially since there may be a chance that he might not be coming back to American Idol next year).  But as Oprah was complimenting him about how he was the top talent scout in the world I found myself thinking, "Yeah, that may be true, but he's just the scout.  He can pick it out of the crowd, but he can't create it."

But, he does develop them, help hone their skills, and make them into stars which is a skill in itself.  He may not be the performer, but he's found his niche as a producer.

My random mind then fell on the thought of how my dreams effect others.  I think if you have a small dream, eventually you will think small of others.  I don't want to err on the side of the equation.  I don't want to be Simon Cowell, but there's something about releasing and activating the dreams of others that also makes your dream that much larger in scope and influence.

It's debatable, but I feel like people love shows like American Idol and every other talent show not because it's all about the underdog (that's part of it), but because people desire to dream and see dreams come true.  It's just that most people would prefer to sit and watch others do all the work and never aspire to fulfill or even consider their own dreams.

It's really not about how much talent you have.  That's just part of it.  It's about talent + determination that is fueled by a dream.  Everybody is talented in some capacity, but the ones who reach stardom or recognition are the ones who are determined to go above and beyond the status quo.  The ones who have a lasting legacy, however, are the ones whose dreams influence and impact the lives of others for the betterment of this world.

P.S.  Watching Oprah today also helped me realize that we are living in an extraordinary time in history.  Not only with our newly elected president, the impending legislative changes, but with the world as a whole.  Simon Cowell commented on how talents shows all over the world are bringing democracy into their country.  Take China, for instance.  They've got their own idol show.  Four hundred million people watched and voted and this girl got... well, second.  But, she got the better end of the deal and now has 15 hit singles and a bright future.  She shares my love for Mariah Carey (back in the 90's Carey).