[May 25, 2018] It wasn’t that long ago that opportunities for young adults in employment, education, and service to one’s country were available to all; no longer. Today, that means that when opportunity knocks … get moving through that door and take advantage of it.
“When opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle, American comedian and actor
The quote by Milton Berle strikes as common sense. But for a large segment of the population, to include leaders, the advice he gives falls on deaf ears. Many don’t want to take the risk that a new opportunity affords. They fear to step into the unknown and will hold themselves back to a life unfulfilled.
A lack of courage – fear – is what keeps many from developing themselves and improving their livelihood. I’m no psychologist, but I do know that it is only natural to fear the unknown. That is why leaders should be mentors and coaches to help push people just enough that they succeed in making good decisions to overcome barriers.
Opportunities come in many forms. Often we don’t even recognize it or we see it too late to benefit ourselves. It does require some skills to “see” those and the “courage” to take advantage of an opportunity. And, despite what you hear that opportunity only comes once, ignore it. Take some simple advice and put yourself out there, out front, and only by doing so will you begin to see what is available. There will always be opportunities everywhere you look.
As a mentor, I tell people that a good attitude is essential. Why? Everyone comes across opportunities where others would benefit. They could pass along that information or decide to do nothing with it. If they know you and know that you have a positive attitude, are respectful, possess humility, and are a good person, they are more inclined to tell you about it.
The first thing folks have to do about taking advantage of any opportunity is that it can require effort and hard work, but you must put your mind to it. A life of mediocrity and failure awaits those who chose to do nothing. So, put a smile on your face and go through that door even before opportunity knocks.
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Note: Here are some good “opportunity knocks” quotes that I liked – https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/opportunity_knocks
When growing up there were little to no opportunities. The big city, NYC, had plenty to keep us busy but if you wanted a good, well paying job, then you had to know somebody. It mattered not that you were good at what you did. So I moved away and it was the best decision I ever made. Moving was the opportunity to start again; where I wanted it in the job I wanted.
Well written and thought out article today and the comments are much appreciated to help coalesce the idea that people should take their share of risks to afford an opportunity.
Comments today are on target and worth reading. Thanks for a morning coffee moment. 😉
:-))
Good topic today.
The more I read about this subject the more interesting it becomes to me. Thank you.
We should also remember that opportunities best for us are those that support our core values.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/knowing-core-values/
Here are some tips in Inc that are helpful on how to recognize opportunities. Every little bit helps. https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/5-ways-to-recognize-a-great-opportunity.html
Here is a good PowerPoint presentation on recognizing opportunities. Worth it to read.
http://www.robeson.k12.nc.us/cms/lib6/NC01000307/Centricity/Domain/2825/Chapter%203%20Presentation%20Notes.pptm
Loved your article today, Gen Satterfield, thanks.
Henry Ford had a great view on this. “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” One of my personal favorite quotes of all time. I have it on my desk in plain view. It communicates the idea that failure is not personal except from which to learn.
Good one! Here is another and this one by Thomas Edison, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” So very true.
We are not the first people who can see that the advice from Gen Satterfield gives us an advantage over others in a competitive world.
Run, run thru that door.
Happiness is knowing you not only see opportunities but are also good enough to take them.
Yes, for those of us smart enough or experienced enough (the same thing?), we can easily “see” those opportunities and weigh the risks and rewards associated with them. Never look back however on what you failed to do except to learn from it and move on.
Seems like common sense to me but that is because, as mature adults, we have been through this before. Young people need to be educated and trained to ensure they make the right choices in their lives. If they decide not to take our advice, well, they are adults and make their own decisions. At least most of the world we can still do that.
Where I live (obviously in Texas), we talk about opportunities and how important it is to be a good person. The reason? Good things come to good people. The reason is that when you are good and people like you they are more likely to tell you about opportunities. Simple philosophy that works.
The same here in Austrailia. Cheers!
Good article and one we should never ignore with such advice.
I too worked to recognize opportunities when they come up in my life. Sometimes I don’t want them and sometimes I do. When I do, I jump in with both feet to take advantage of them.
When I was 17 years old I had no idea what I wanted to do with myself. I was depressed and anti-social. After starting college, a professor (who didn’t like me) recommended I take a biology course. I liked it and did well. The more I took in this subject the more I liked it. Then one day, that same professor (who I think wanted me to fail), suggested I try to get into medical school. The rest is history. I took the opportunity and succeeded.
For those who are willing to take a risk (often very small risk) the rewards are enormous. I recommend you walk through the door when opportunity knocks. But … you have to recognize it first.
I took the change years ago and joined up in college to ROTC. Now I’m on track for a great career in the US Army but more importantly, my life is one of meaning. It is hard work, requires dedication, is often frustratingly boring, but the oversall experience is great.
I like your story.
Thanks Joey and best to you and your family in Austrailia.
Thanks Army Captain.
Yes, thanks for the story and narrative to tie these ideas together!
Like the others, I appreciate your daily comments and much appreciate your service to our nation.