Work With What You Have


By Rebecca McClain


The world was abuzz last week after the 47-year old Scottish "spinster", Susan Boyle, mesmerized us with her vocal performance on Britain's Got Talent. In less than a week, her rendition of Les Miserables, I Dream a Dream, has been viewed over forty million times on YouTube. As beautiful as her voice is, her sudden popularity has as much to do with her appearance as it does with her talent. The moment she stepped on stage, she was viewed as a joke--old, frumpy and unattractive.

Ignoring the obvious laughter and jeers from the audience (and sarcasm from the judges), Susan displayed absolute confidence from start to finish. She may not have possessed the outer beauty that the world has come to judge as attractive, but she worked what she had! She worked it so well that the same audience that booed when she stepped on stage ended on their feet applauding with tears streaming down their faces. Why? Because we love to see the underdogs prevail. Who would have thought...?

You can never judge a book by its cover! What hidden talents are you withholding--perhaps out of fear, unbelief or lack of confidence? Most people sit on the sidelines of life as spectators watching others live out their dreams. Incubating inside of them are innovative ideas, unexpressed gifts & talents and creative genius. They recognize that they have more potential, yet they can't seem to break out of the mold. The desire is there but they are constrained by their own self-imposed limitations.

Perhaps your head is waging a war with your heart; your reality with your desire. Do you know that people would be shocked to know all that you possess inside? I find it interesting that many people, who know my history, are amazed that I went from a 20-year career as a tax professional to writing, speaking and life coaching. I'm confident that you're not one-dimensional either. Deciding to a "stay put" and play yourself small doesn't serve you well, or anybody else for that matter. You can choose to stay in your safety zone--focusing solely upon self preservation or live a larger, more fulfilling life.

This week I encourage you to get ready to make your grand entrance. Step away from the sidelines and onto the playing field. You might not have Halle Berry's looks or Celine Dion's voice. Sometimes sheer desire will take you much further than outer beauty (or talent) ever could. Don't focus on what you don't have. Acknowledge what you do have and work it! If you happen to have beautiful features (face, hair, hands, physique, etc.), then throw it all in the mix and work that too!

Take Action Challenge

What's holding you back from working what you've got? Write it all down and then decide what you intend to do about it. Will you "stay put" or go with the desires of your heart? It might not be wise for you to step out with reckless abandon, but setting an intention is a starting point.

Rebecca McClain is founder of Life Treasures LLC, a life enrichment company. As an entrepreneur, author, speaker and life coach, she is recognized as an expert in personal and professional success.

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