Creating Opportunity
Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death. James F. Byrnes (1879 – 1972)
Great quote. When you think about it, what made America great was our pioneer spirit. The people who settled this country didn’t “Go West!” to find security, they went West to find opportunity. And when they couldn’t find opportunity, they created it.
Perhaps the real challenge for us today is to take stock of our assets and see what we can create with them. I’m not just talking about money here, what about your skills and talents? Your collected wisdom? Your experiences? What can you do with those assets to move your life and your career forward? Instead of waiting for something to open up, can you create opportunities?
Look around. What’s needed and wanted? Where are people hurting? Do you have a product or service that can help? Is there a niche that you can fill? A place for an idea you’ve had for awhile that you haven’t acted upon? Is there a way to re-engineer something you’ve done? Or re-purpose it? Re-package it?
Someone came up with the paper clip, the safety pin, post-it notes, and my personal favorite: rolling wheels for suitcases. Each of these filled a niche, and found a place in our everyday lives.
I’m not suggesting that you have to invent the latest pet rock to survive this weird economy, but a little brainstorming in your area of expertise might yield surprising results.
Carry a small notepad. Keep track of your ideas, no matter how disjointed they may seem. Look at threads in your ideas. Do any of them lead somewhere? Is there someone you can collaborate with? Is there something you need to learn to take these ideas to fruition? Do your ideas mesh with some others out there?
The sense I get about our current world is that we’ve moved away from competition and on to collaboration. Look for ways you can work with others to make your dreams come true.
Remember, when you create opportunity, you aren’t the only one who wins.
Good luck!
and Happy Chinese New Year!
Beth
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© 2009 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc.
Aloha Beth,
Your blog and comments has helped me to seriously pursue my own business and because of your inspiration, love & continuous support, I am able to start something new that has been my passion, check out my cool site http://www.tgiff.mychoices.biz
Let me know when you’re in Hawai’i again. Berny