Alan Cohen Newsletter August 2007

Let Your Greatness Show

When Paul Potts stepped onstage for his competition on Britain's Got Talent (U.K. Version of America's Got Talent) he was met with open scorn by the judges. When he told them that he planned to sing opera, he practically sealed his coffin before he opened his mouth.

Moments later, however, the story changed completely. Paul's voice was so powerful, touching, and inspiring, that within seconds the judges' jaws dropped and one even came to tears. The eclectic audience was spellbound and quickly rose to their feet. By the time Paul finished his selection, the applause was deafening and the judges were as impressed by the audience reaction as Paul's performance.

Paul returned for semi-finals, blew the judges and audience away again, and went on to win the overall competition. Click here to see Paul Potts' video.

Paul was a humble cell phone warehouse manager, shy and boylike. His appearance, slightly paunchy and with a crooked tooth, was not one of a celebrity. Yet he did have two things going for him that netted him the grand prize: real talent and a huge heart.

I found it compelling that while most of the people in the audience were not opera fans (and, who knows, maybe didn't even like opera) and the judges were actively resistant, something in all of these people recognized the greatness before them. They were won over by the truth.

You, too, bear and embody greatness that will win over those you touch, and yield the success you desire. (Overnight Paul Potts became an international celebrity and received major tour and recording contracts.) But you must trust your greatness, stand behind it, and express it. How sad if Paul stayed in his cell phone warehouse because most people don't like opera and he might have made a fool of himself on national TV? Instead, he found the courage to step forward and let the universe take care of the details.

You don't have to fight to get people's attention or to get them to acknowledge you. If you are struggling with these issues, you have taken a detour from the thoroughfare already paved for you. You simply have to (as Emerson described) "release the imprisoned splendor." Everyone in the world holds imprisoned splendor -- no exceptions. Just a small portion recognize it in themselves or others. If you are reading this article, you are in that small or portion or close to it.

One more piece: It's never worth arguing over your talents. Those who do not recognize them cannot be convinced, and those who do recognize them do not need to be convinced. Just let it rip. The more you have to prove to anyone how good you are at anything, the more you are wasting your time. Henry J. Kaiser noted, "When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt."

I have been fantasizing about what kind of world it would be if everyone unleashed their true gifts. Perhaps if those you who read this newsletter began to do just that, the world would be far closer to heaven.

Alan

The first step to getting the love you want is to appreciate the love you have.

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Got Inspiration?

I recently had the pleasure to meet Shawn Galloway, a talented musician who, among other endeavors, has played with the popular rock group Orleans. Shawn has produced an inspiring free video that melds his original music with visionary art and heart-opening photos. This is sure to move and uplift you!

Click here to watch "I Choose Love"

Celebrate another's gain as your own, and yours will soon follow.

The Shortest Route

to What You Want

I was coaching a woman who requested guidance to help her manifest her dream home. When I invited her to tell me about it, she drew this picture: "It's on a high hill surrounded by tall trees, with a broad ocean view."

"Great," I affirmed. "Now please tell me what is the primary feeling that the house gives you?"

"Security," she answered. "Having that house would help me feel secure."

"And the trees?"

"Trees represent growth and expansion to me."

"What is the feeling of being on a hill?"

"Perspective"

"And what does seeing the ocean tap you into?"

"Depth," she answered resolutely.

"So it's not the house on the hill you are seeking, but security, growth, perspective, and depth."

"Maybe so."

"And if you could feel all those good things without having the house, would you still need the house?"

"Maybe not."

I was not trying to talk my client out of her dream house; indeed I would be thrilled to know that she manifested it. I just wanted to point out to her that while she seems to be on an outer journey to collect these goodies, she is really on an inner journey. I told her that if she could get the feelings of security, growth, perspective, and depth right where she stands, two things would likely happen: (1) she would feel fabulous; and (2) the house on the hill would likely come quickly and effortlessly. That’s the power of claiming your good rather than struggling for it.

While there are lots of things that you want -- and deserve -- what you really want is an inner feeling of some form of well being. Cultivate that feeling right where you stand, and you will manifest your desire, but even more important, you will be whole as you proceed.