By now, many of you have heard the story of Paul Potts – the mobile phone salesman turned opera star. I first heard of him several months ago, when I received a YouTube clip of Mr. Potts arriving at an audition for Britain’s Got Talent, the UK’s answer to American Idol. While it first appears to be just another TV audition, one we’ve all seen dozens of times, the authenticity of Paul’s self-discovery is quite unique. It is both genuine and moving, and truly illustrates the magic of “finding your voice”.
Paul works as a mobile phone salesman. Paul doesn’t much like his job. Paul has a unique talent, but has spent his whole life afraid to pursue it. Paul lacks courage. Paul lacks confidence. Paul is just like a lot of us.
When he arrives on stage for his audition, this plain looking man from South Wales is asked one simple, but profound question – “What are you here for today, Paul?” To the surprise of the judges, this painfully shy and ordinary looking man responds with remarkable confidence and conviction, saying simply, “To sing opera.” He was CLEAR, CONCISE and DIRECT. Three words. That’s it. “To sing opera”. What followed was phenomenal.
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still inside of them.” Afraid to fail or to look the fool, most people remain chained to the desk, chained to the job, chained to the “safety net” – and in doing so, they avoid the hard fall, but they die a slow death.
This will NOT be Paul’s fate. That night, in front of three judges, hundreds in the studio audience, and countless thousands watching at home, Paul found the courage to “sing his song”. And sing he did! Paul stunned the judges, left the audience awestruck, and weeks later, won the competition.
Since that night, Paul has performed for the Queen of England, appeared on numerous talk shows, signed a major recording contract, toured the United States and Europe, and topped the UK album charts with his debut release “One Chance”.
But even more importantly, Paul no longer lacks courage; no longer lacks confidence. He no longer takes up residence in “victimhood”. Instead, he is writing his OWN lyrics, authoring his OWN life, and living his BIG DREAM. This shy and humble man finally got CLEAR about his PASSION and his PURPOSE; found the courage to get on his BUILDER’S JOURNEY; found the confidence to “sing the song” that he knew was inside of him.
What’s YOUR song?
Are you singing it?
If someone were to ask you that same simple question, “What are you here for today?” could you answer them?
Would you be CLEAR, CONCISE and DIRECT?
Have you gotten on YOUR Builder’s Journey?
What’s holding you back?
Why?
Why?
Why?
BUILT TO LEAD 