There is a famous poem by Langston Hughes with words that inspired an award winning play. He asked, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
This is great food for thought for anyone in any career.
Most people would not argue that we are living in tough economic times evidenced by layoffs, rising unemployment rates and dauntingly-high numbers of applicants for jobs. Summer may seem particularly scary. School’s out, bringing new college grads and high-school summer workers out in droves.
If you are in a job search, you may think that this is a time when you should settle for whatever you can get. No, no, no! It may be in your best interest to take a bridge or stepping stone job””something to gain experience, hone skills or just put some money in the bank. That’s okay. But please don’t stop there.
My clients have shown me firsthand many success stories through economic and other obstacles. In times of adversity, they have focused on knowing what they wanted (dream), being one of the best at it, chasing it, and catching it! How? The pattern has been similar with their success stories:
- They aligned their talents with their dream jobs to stand out from the crowd.
- They showed great enthusiasm and passion for landing their dream jobs.
- They didn’t give up. No matter what they were doing at the time, they kept searching. And when faced with opportunities, they reached out to grasp them.
If you have any doubts about whether you should keep chasing your dreams, visit (or revisit) this YouTube link to Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent. By the way, she chose to sing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables.
I’ve watched the video many times; and each time I admittedly get weepy. As you watch the video for the first or umpteenth time, think about why people were so quick to dismiss the hopes and dreams of another? I think it’s fear. We are often afraid to make fools of ourselves or to be vulnerable to rejection or failure. They were afraid for her. Yet, Susan wasn’t afraid to put herself out there. The audience and judges laughed. Then, she opened her mouth and sang. Everything changed. Everyone wanted her to be good a standing ovation! Simon Cowell beamed with joy at the audience’s reaction.
But back up a bit. Prior to her singing debut, Susan sang in the shower and into hairbrushes. She’s 47 years old and never been kissed. She was an unemployed church worker. She took care of her parents until their deaths, and she lives with her cats. It could have been so easy to give up on her dreams of professional singing. Not this lady. She showed commitment and determination to follow her dream””and she caught it!
She teaches us all a very important lesson. She walked on stage unashamed of who she is. She exuded confidence and even feistiness! Perhaps the world isn’t as cold and scary as it sometimes seems. Perhaps people really do want to help. They do want you to succeed.
What is your dream? Can you take a lesson from Susan Boyle? Will you choose to be a raisin in the sun or a chaser (and catcher) of dreams? The choice is yours.
