Contributed by Nancy Oelklaus, Ed. D

Susan Boyle has inspired millions. A contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, she stood before a vast audience, including three who would judge her, as a middle-aged, frumpy, tousled, unaccomplished woman from a small village. When she announced she would sing, “I Dreamed a Dream,” the audience snickered. Some had their hands over their mouths, trying to muffle an out-loud laugh. 

Then came a key question—the kind that unlocks potential. “Why haven’t we heard of you before now?” 

Without hesitation and with a steady look in her eyes, she responded, “I never had the opportunity until now. Things are about to change.” 

And WOW did things change. It started immediately—when she opened her mouth and lifted her voice. 

First the snickers and suppressed laughter stopped. Then mouths opened. Then hearts lifted with the elation of experiencing greatness. Then the crowd, including the judges, were on their feet with applause of adulation and congratulations. 

Things changed. 

Susan Boyle’s first CD set a record for sales before release. Oprah called. Then Dancing with the Stars. And now she is one—a star. More importantly, she is recognized for the gift she truly is. 

No longer frumpy, she’s had a makeover so that the outside looks like the inside—a confident, talented woman who has earned her place. 

From the example of Susan Boyle, I’ve learned so much. Just listening to her CD, which I’m doing as I’m writing this piece, strengthens my heart. The song that’s up right now is “Who I Was Born to Be.”  The lyrics are, “Though I may not know the answers, I can finally say I’m free. . . I am who I was born to be.” 

Susan Boyle decided to appear on Britain’s Got Talent because her deceased mother encouraged her to. Susan Boyle had someone in her corner who believed in her, prayed for her, and gave her encouragement—invisibly strengthening her heart. So this is my first lesson. Who in my circle of relationships needs my encouragement? For 2010 I’ve made a request that daily I will be a gift to someone and that I have the eyes to see it. 

A second lesson is how to feel and what to do in the face of derision. Fear that someone might disapprove has often held me back, and I have failed to do what is right for me. In 2010, I promise myself to do what is right for me. To speak up. To stand for myself and not against anyone else.  Join me: Lift your voice.

Nancy Oelklaus, Ed.D, is an executive coach and author of Journey from Head to Heart: Living and Working Authentically and Alphabet Meditations for Teachers: Everyday Wisdom for Educators. She is an educator, an entrepreneur, a speaker and workshop leader. She lives on the rim of a canyon in Austin, TX, with her husband, Harlan, and Feathers, a curly white lap dog.