“Where some see barriers, others see opportunities.” -Unknown
This is a tale about these two shoe salesmen who travel to a third world country in search of new business opportunities.
One man calls his wife after he lands, telling her, “Honey, I’m coming back home. There’s no hope here. Nobody here is wearing shoes, so there’s no one to sell to.” He boards the next flight home.
The second man calls his wife and says, “Honey, you wouldn’t believe what I found here. There is so much opportunity. No one here is wearing shoes. I can sell to the whole country!” –Unknown
Summary:
There’s opportunity everywhere. When we open our minds, new possibilities appear. With open minds, we are able to find the opportunity in the challenge, surround ourselves with the right people, or find solutions. When challenges arrive, use your energy to find the opportunity.
Reflection:
- What situation(s) in your life do you need to open your mind toward?
- What could be great about each of these situations? For each one, list 3 ways they could become opportunities.
- How can you and/or your team use this message to help you?
Moving Forward:
- Every situation we face is either an opportunity or a threat. The good thing is we get to decide. Look for 2-3 things a day that normally you may see as a threat. Then list ways of how they could turn into opportunities.
- Keep an ongoing list of things in your past that were opportunities in disguise once you opened your mind to them. Add to and read this list as needed to remind yourself to keep an open perspective.
- Share this message with someone to challenge them to see the opportunity vs. the threat in situations.
“Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” -Napoleon Hill
For more stories on overcoming adversity check out: Challenger Deep: Stories, Fables, and Lessons to Help You Rise Above Adversity – Tami Matheny