In 2009, a middle-aged Scottish woman with a learning disability took the stage on a national talent competition and ended up gaining 2.5 million views in 72 hours after a video of her audition was posted on Youtube.   From there she went on to win second place on the show, and release albums and songs that topped charts, and broke sales records.  

Her name was Susan Boyle.  

Not only did her voice resonate with people, as an Elaine Paige sounding singer (her personal favorite).  But her story brought inspiration, at a time when the U.S. and other nations were dealing with the aftermath of the recession.

If anything, her story taught us that dreams don't have an expiration date.  Still, in the midst of having a dream, there can be things that try to deter us, that catch us off guard, but we have to stay the course and realize that a delayed dream is not a denied dream.  

Here are some quick tips to inspire you to not give up on your dream. 

1. What is Your Awesome-Sauce!

So many times, people have a dream, but what they think their dream is, and what they are really trying to do are two different things.  What I mean by that is that you may love music, and think (like Susan Boyle) that you need to be a superstar.  However, when you really look at what it is that makes you tick about your dream, you may just discover that is, just being part of a musical community that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.  At that point, it could be joining a local music group or using your abilities to teach other's music, that might make you fly outta bed in the morning.  More than what you think your dream is, also think about the "awesome-sauce" that dream cooks up in your heart... you might find that you can get that feeling by doing something you love, in a different way than you thought.  

2. The Rocking Chair Test!

After thinking about all the 'feels' you get when you talk about your dream. Do the 'rocking chair test'.  This is the part where you imagine you are your older self, sitting on a rocking chair, thinking about your life.  Now imagine, what your older self would regret, if you never got the chance to do that.  Make sure to wholeheartedly think about it, and then write it down.  From there, you should have a better idea to if you really can't live without trying to be a superstar, or if you'd be happy to play music....anywhere.

3. Never Say Never!

Once you've identified what it is you truly want and dream for, it's time to hold onto that.  There are going to be obstacles, and roadblocks to any dream, but that doesn't mean that you should give up.  Besides, if you choose to go after your dream, you will always know that you tried.  You never know, you may end up like Susan Boyle someday too, and be the superstar that you always imagined you would be!