You Make Your Own Breaks on the Way to Your Dreams

By Dave Kelly

One of my guilty pleasures is watching the audition shows of the various performance shows like American Idol and Last Comic Standing. So, of course, I was in front of my TV last month to watch the American Idol audition shows.

Some very talented people who auditioned received the golden ticket to Hollywood.

Some really bad singers did not and they were legitimately surprised when they failed to make it to the next round! (Don’t you think some of them just had to know how bad they really were?)

Then there were those who weren’t so bad, but they didn’t get the golden ticket. These people might actually have a shot at a career in music but, for whatever reason, did not pass the judges’ muster.

It is the last group that fascinates me. Some of them were so upset. Some even begged the judges for another chance, because this competition was their only chance to make it. They knew they were meant to be in the music business and if only they could participate in the competition of American Idol, they could prove that they were worthy of such a career.

And if not chosen? I guess that in their minds, they believed that their opportunities were over. At least, that’s how it seems from the post-audition interviews.

Gee, so there is only ever one vehicle or opportunity in life for us to achieve our dreams?

And your life can be over at the age of 19.

Really?

Are you kidding me?

Well, I suppose if someone is willing to give up on their “dream” so easily, then maybe it isn’t meant to be.

But, if it is real, if it is in your heart, then you can make your own break. You don’t have to be the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood. Maybe you are more like Taylor Swift, who is a huge country artist with pop-crossover appeal who has made it on talent and persistence.

I was over 40 when I made my big break to pursue a career as a professional speaker. But even my first year of being a full-time speaker was not great. I only had 10 speaking engagements and could have easily been discouraged. But, I persevered and pushed on and tripled that number the next year. Because of my persistence and determination, my career has grown every year since.

Am I famous? No. Have I been on Oprah? No. Has MTV called me to join the cast of Real World: Motivational Speakers? No.

Simply put, there is no single path to the achievement of your dreams. Find one that works for you. Even if you have to make your own.

There is, however, one attribute that is absolutely necessary: Belief.

Believe in yourself and you will do amazing things.

And if you believe in yourself…

…then I believe in you, too!

Dave Kelly is a professional speaker and host of the website Gonzospeaks.com, and a contributing writer here on OutOfYourRut.com. His career story is also a feature here at Professional Speaking—Turning a Hobby Into a Career. Dave is available for speaking engagements either through his website or by emailing Kevin at OutOfYourRut