A Lesson In Rhinoceros Success From An Unlikely Source

By Mike Massie
Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle is obviously not one to let the fear of failure stand in her way. ITV.com

This lady is freaking amazing.

Take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

So, what’s this got to do with starting a martial arts school?

In the book, Rhinoceros Success by Scott Alexander, the author talks about how being like a rhino can make you a success.

  • Rhinos have thick skin,
  • Rhinos take charge,
  • Rhinos are audacious,
  • And rhinos don’t let anything stand in their way.

There’s a powerful “rhino” lesson here.

Ms. Boyle is a full-on rhino success story.

You think people in her home town laughed at her when she told them she was going to that audition?

I’d say that’s a strong possibility.

Think she heard the tittering and catcalls in the crowd when she walked up on stage?

Yup.

Think she saw the look of thinly veiled contempt on the judges’ faces during her introduction?

You betcha.

Think it bothered her?

Maybe.

But did it do a thing to dampen her performance?

You saw it and heard it – the proof is right there.

To my knowledge the lady’s not a black belt, but she has “success rhino” written all over her.

So, what’s stopping you? Fear of failure? Puh-leeze…

Life is full of potential disappointments. The question is, what do you want to say when you look back on your life?

“I never failed, because I never tried…”

Or…

“I gave it my all, and pursued my dreams – and for that alone, I’ve lived a full and rich life of no regrets.”

I know which one Susan Boyle chose.

Be a rhino starting today, and charge after your dreams.

Posted in Editorial, Start Up

8 Comments

  1. Kurt Schulenburg on April 15, 2009 at 7:21 am

    I’ve been a professional musician for the last 30 years – this woman is amazing. And, beyond her musical ability, she tells us a lot about ourselves – on how we’re so quick to judge, how we categorize people so readily. Mike – you’re right. We judge and categorize ourselves too easily as well. We fail to follow our dreams, we fail to visualize our own successes – and we stop trying. Thanks for this one – it’s awesome!



  2. Mike Massie on April 15, 2009 at 7:32 am

    I’ll be the first to admit – even though I was rooting for her to do well, until she started singing, I was waiting for disaster to strike.

    Then, I got a huge smile on my face, because I love seeing the underdog win!

    Very cool…



  3. Darrin Walton on April 15, 2009 at 8:36 am

    Wow what an inspiration…. here’s to being a Rhino



  4. Mike Massie on April 15, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Seriously!

    By the way, I got a new signed copy of the Rhino Success book this morning from Ebay for $10.

    The book has sold something like 1.5 million copies over the last 20 years or so.

    Definitely worth adding to your success library.



  5. Brent on April 15, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    A fantastic performance and a great message for us. Thanks Mike!



  6. Scott Alexander on April 15, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    That motivated me! Thanks, Mike!! Keep charging!!!



  7. Mike Massie on April 16, 2009 at 4:53 am

    Hey – the author of “Rhinoceros Success” himself chimes in… excellent!

    Thanks for the kind remarks, Scott, and welcome to the MABizDaily blog!



  8. Mike Massie on April 16, 2009 at 4:54 am

    Definitely, Brent – glad you liked it.

    I’m eager to see how she does as the show progresses…



Leave a Comment