We look for what is familiar to us. Is it even possible to look for what is not? We see the success of others and are instantly tempted to compare it to our own, or lack thereof. I’ve pretty much learned in my time alive that no two success stories are the same. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, had a vastly different path than say Wrigley of chewing gum fame. Both became rich and that’s what a lot of people seek. Still, millions have tried to emulate their stories with mixed results. Opportunity can mean a positive thing. There are times in life when a chance to succeed lay right in front of you. It’s unmistakable. Other times, opportunity can mean weakness. It’s a chance not taken. Our opportunities can be considered the chink in our armor that only we can fix. Either way, everyone has different opportunities and everyone reacts differently to her/his opportunities.
I think it helps to define what you really want in your years. Long term and short term goals are great, not for striving but for identifying opportunities. When I first started teaching it was irritating how people would say, “Oh I would be a great teacher but I never got the opportunity to go to college.” Of course I understand that the death of a family member or other serious catastrophe could prevent someone from strengthening an opportunity. The truth is though, most people walking college campuses are there in spite of adversity and challenges, not in the absence of them. When there are no opportunities, you have to move forward anyway … creating your own. I worry about society when people are blind to their own opportunities. Some collect a welfare check long-term and learn to live on a very small amount of money. Other people go to a job they hate bitter, blaming others for not giving them the opportunity they crave.
I recommend, if you are not seeing the opportunities you want, new focus on strengthening yourself. If you want to be a tour guide, learn the area. If you want to be a singer, sing a lot. Want to be a butcher, a baker, or candle stick maker, learn to do all the stuff that would make you the best! It’s the opportunities for growth that lead they way. Instead of waiting for someone or something to show you the way, identify your weaknesses, call them your “opportunities” and strengthen them. Along the way, doors are bound to open. Even if they don’t your opportunities will become areas of mastery thus leading you ever closer to your dreams. Share that with someone if you like. I know I get tired of hearing excuses. No opportunity you say? When you stop waiting for the train and look inward for answers, the opportunities are infinite.