What Does Opportunity Look Like?

I am convinced that one of the biggest problems facing most people today is the inability to recognize opportunity when it knocks. I remember at a career fair at my high school, meeting a man who had a Doctorate and was there to represent the computer industry.

While talking with him he told me of a time when he was younger when some aquantances were looking at starting a company that would specialize in computers that would fit on a desk. He of course thought they were crazy. I mean obviously even if they managed it the computers would be so expensive that nobody would be able to afford one.

He told me that he refused the chance to go into business with them or invest in their business. So they started it without him. Most people are aware of this company now. It's called IBM. Needless to say, he's not very happy about the decision he made.

You might could say he missed out on one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities. I've met others who look back at certain times in life with similar regrets. So what can we change to better recognize and take advantage of opportunities when they come?

I believe that many miss opportunity when it comes for two basic reasons.

First, many of us are so busy trying to hold on to what we have that we are afraid to try anything that will better our lives. Before most people will invest, even in themselves, they want a guarantee that it's going to make them rich. Since life really has no guarantees, most work hard all their lives for an existence, and then retire, and just make it every month until eventually they die.

Second, many others think that opportunity looks alot like a lottery ticket. They think that a true opportunity is something that you put just a little money into, if any, and sit back and gather the money as it comes in. Opportunity comes around and they don't recognize it because it looks like a problem that requires alot of work. I hate say it but what most are looking for is not opportunity it is fantasy. An opportunity is a chance for you to work at something that will bring great rewards. If somebody tells you that they have an opportunity that does not require either hard work, or a sizable investment, or both, they're lying to you.

So remember, many times you can hang on so hard to what you have that you just hold yourself back, and as I once heard a preacher say, many people never recognize opportunity because it wears overalls and looks like alot of work.
 
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