WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...

When opportunity knocks, some refuse to open the door, excusing themselves from any responsibility for the challenges that life might place before them. They prefer living within the status quo – taking the familiar “easy path” to any the destination that might appear beyond the horizon – implicitly declaring that change and opportunity may be great for others but should be avoided at all costs when personally confronted.  Rarely will you find an individual wishing to initiate change – to face opportunity head on so they might reap the potential rewards their risk might provide – travelling only upon the straight and narrow road.  Conversely, one seeking the comfort of “what is” rather than the opportunities that “what could be” might present will avoid the twists and turns that an unimproved path presents as they will spend so much of their time blaming each bump on the inadequacy of another and perceiving every detour as a dead end rather than unrealized possibility – that little forward progress will be accomplished.  People refusing to put forth more than minimal effort while expecting exceptional results are unrealistic in their beliefs.

 

Far too many individuals seek to rise to the top upon the backs of others, expecting to receive the same rewards simply because they share the same space and breathe the same air, rather than opening the door when opportunity knocks.  Those seeking to leverage their individual abilities, attitudes and desires eagerly open the door to new opportunities.  They immerse themselves in the identification of “root causes” that may have initiated the disruptive events in their lives, seeking to become an indispensable part of innovative solutions rather than an ongoing contributor to seemingly unresolvable issues and unreasonable expectations. They move forward upon paths defined by the conditions – considering not only the situation as it is but also what it might project to become – before beginning their journey, ALWAYS willing to adjust their travels should any motivating or influencing factors change. Individuals answering the knock of opportunity typically identify paths not yet imagined as they take roads not yet improved while seeking destinations not previously explored or defined. Those willing to take risks in life visualize where they might go once they step through the door of opportunity. They do not hide behind the safety of a closed existence, they absolutely refuse to accept the loss of “what might be possible.”

Sharing our workload and the results of our efforts has become an expectation as we seek to magnify and enhance our individual contributions by blending them with the unique gifts others have been given to accomplish collectively more than could have been completed on our own.  Might our emphasis on sharing and “teamwork”, however, be inadvertently discouraging individuals from “answering the knock of opportunity” by dissuading them from expressing their personal thoughts, feelings and expectations – encouraging them to find comfort and security in “group think,” fearing failure rather than embracing the learning that it can bring? Within a world that rewards results rather than encouraging discovery, do we allow people to bring their dreams to fruition or do we contain their imaginations within well-defined parameters and highly structured “acceptable” processes?  Do we actually keep the door closed by convincing people it is alright to find comfort in the way things are (and that they will never change) rather than encouraging them to take intentional risks that MIGHT produce exceptional rewards?  Perhaps the opportunity that knocks in life should be welcomed as a dream that has yet to become reality rather than a reality that has established itself as a dream.

Dreams are thoughts not yet realized – aspirations not yet brought to fruition. Dreams are the basis of our goals and the foundation of our good intentions. We can LIVE life without dreams BUT cannot EMBRACE life’s full potential (or become all we hope to be or realize all we might wish to accomplish) without first visualizing what we want to become or what we desire to do BEFORE we begin to travel through life.  Those that perform to the standards and expectations of others may be great contributors (as they add value to society) but until they identify their individual aspirations and work towards accomplishing them, people rarely discover new horizons or identify unknown paths that would allow them to travel beyond the door of opportunity once it has been opened – to cross the threshold from “what is” to “what has yet been imagined.”  To accomplish our dreams we must be willing to open the door that holds us captive within the safety and security of our “present” so we can embrace the unknown opportunities of a “future” yet to be fully identified, realized or finalized. When opportunity knocks, you can ignore it, consciously turn it away or embrace it as you move towards its unrealized potential. You can answer its call or hide within the safety and security of what you know to be real – leaving the opportunity for someone else to invest the time and energy you are unable (or unwilling) to expend – but must then accept the results they accomplish rather than the possibilities you could have attained.

Should you seek to make a difference in the world – to expand your horizons beyond “here and now” towards dreams not yet realized (or, in some cases, not yet imagined), open YOUR door when you hear someone knocking.  When opportunity knocks, some accomplish much because they sacrifice all, holding back nothing as they seek “the prize” rather than worrying about “the cost.”  They picture life as a series of surmountable hills rather than a single insurmountable mountain.  They see obstacles in life being temporary detours rather than permanent closures, finding “the good” in every situation they encounter rather than dwelling upon “the bad” in what might come their way.  People answering the knock of opportunity see where they wish to be and envision what they wish to become the intentionally acting to make those things reality rather than holding back or maintaining the status quo. While accomplishing much for themselves, they allow others to taste success by paving the way for them to follow once they the door has been opened (understanding and knowing that leaving the door closed would prohibit new discoveries and eliminate new accomplishments – sentencing the world to stagnation and decline rather than hope and prosperity). 

EXPANDING YOUR ISLAND TO INCLUDE OTHERS HELPS ENSURE SUCCESS

Many people feel they can “go it alone” rather than needing to prove themselves to others (or convincing others their way is wrong).  In order to establish and maintain accountability for our thoughts and actions, however, we need others in our lives (to challenge, validate and support our direction, decisions and aspirations).  While most of us are able to move forward through much of life on our own, we can find encouragement to keep moving when we might prefer to rest if others are walking beside us along the way.  Before we can expect others to accept us, however – to care enough about us to invest their time in making us better – we must first accept ourselves (though accepting is never easy as we can ALWAYS second guess our initial reactions, thoughts or decisions).

The first step in this acceptance is to discover our own potential – fully assimilating the beauty of what is possible into the reality of our lives – before we could hope to have another see value or worth in us.  We must identify our individual strengths and weaknesses, realizing the role that each plays both in our development AND to our detriment.  We must recognize and accept what is possible (or not realistic), what is highly probable (or unlikely) and what is fiscally irresponsible (or within our means to create a way).  When one looks for weaknesses, assigns fault, or emphasizes failure they tend to focus more on what “was not done” than on celebrating success.  They often attempt to change behavior by identifying deficiencies that need altering (thereby becoming important as the identifier of another’s problems) rather than by encouraging the “cloning” of healthy behaviors.  Far too often we ensure our own success by pointing out and/or guaranteeing another to fail rather than by elevating our own “game” to bring others along with us.

People acknowledging only their strengths often enter relationships to “fix” those around them – never fully exposing themselves to the scrutiny that true friendship (or “community” brings).  Those that limit themselves by accepting their shortcomings and deficiencies as ceilings rather than floors often sell themselves short when it comes to achieving success.  These individuals often avoid their own emptiness or darkness by reflecting another’s light or fullness through the pronouncement of a relationship. They seek to find personal success through the accomplishments of others – or to elevate their own minor successes by minimizing another.  They tend to deflect attention from themselves by directing it to another - often negatively influencing the way others are perceived while appearing to be “above it all” in their personal interrelationships.   

No relationship – whether it be in business or in your personal life – will grow unless we establish an expectation of what we hope it might become then work hard to bring the dream to fruition.  Some say that setting low expectations will keep them from ever being disappointed.  What kind of a meaningful relationship could develop from the premise that what “is” will never change – that wherever a relationship began is where it will eventually end – exhibiting no growth.  A relationship serves no valuable purpose if the melding of beliefs, values, ideals and accomplishments are intended to advance each individual more that it enhances the group.  If one benefits from the input of another, think how much could be accomplished should several come together, openly sharing thoughts and ideas without fearing loss, reprisal or repercussion.  

Dreams are the “pots of gold” found at the end of the rainbows we choose to follow.  Choice is the key here – unless and until we CHOOSE to move forward, to leave behind or to seek new pastures, we live our lives more by fearing the pain of failure than by truly expecting and anticipating the rewards of success – we may survive but will rarely thrive.  Relationships focusing on why things did not work or how they could have been done differently are destined to fail.  Those using (accepting and learning from) failure as a springboard towards implementing new and different solutions are more likely to succeed.  Believing that the “light at the end of a tunnel” is an opportunity yet to be realized rather than a train heading towards you on a collision course reflects the assimilation of dreams into your daily relationships – the acceptance of “what has yet to become” a precursor of reality rather than a harbinger of never-ending turmoil.

Building relationships and accomplishing dreams are not easy (nor straightforward) tasks.  We often discover alternative paths leading to destinations that are more desirable (AND that we may never have considered) when we include the ideas of others as part of our decision-making process.  We miss much along the way when we build straight and narrow paths upon which to travel – leaving no room for exploration, discovery or wandering – when we focus only upon where we wish to go and how we envision getting there without allowing ourselves the time (or giving ourselves the permission) to take detours along the way.  Avoid the interstate highways of life (paths that provide only limited access or entrance), choosing instead to travel the “country roads” (trails that allow unrestricted ingress and egress of ideas, thoughts and methodologies) if you wish to achieve all that you believe possible (rather than accepting only what you could reasonably and responsibly identify as having a high likelihood of succeeding).

When people lose sight of their goals, coming to rest upon the side of the road before accomplishing their dreams, they cannot find fulfillment and often fail to persevere.  When we travel alone we are more likely to lose our way – why should it be any different as we live life?  The realization of dreams is linked to how effectively our strengths can be focused as we travel unfamiliar paths that encourage new ideas – and unless our thoughts are challenged by others holding us accountable for the results promised, how can we ever achieve anything beyond what we already know and accept as being possible?  Accepting that our own (or another individual’s) weaknesses are insurmountable often results in our believing that failure is not just a possibility but rather a foregone conclusion.  When we truly believe that the accomplishment of anything is possible – and that nothing can diminish or replace the unwavering power borne through a strong and trusting relationship – only then will we be able to experience the presence of others on our island – of others working together to achieve more than any one individual might accomplish. 

Relationships are the foundation upon which life’s accomplishments are constructed.  A relationship becomes successful when “we” becomes a given rather than “me” being the rule.  While one man (or woman) may think he (or she) is an island, they will not experience all life has to offer until accepting that to live we must share life – and that we are only as strong individually as is the group of close friends we have around us.

LET GO BEFORE REACHING OUT TO MOVE FORWARD

I once held all that I had as gold within my trembling hands…

More precious than even the air that I breathed…

Watching it sparkle and shine…

Rivaling the sun with the brilliance my accomplishments spilled upon me.

I buried them within my heart, holding them deeply as part of my essence within my soul…

Touching the heights of my journey with my searching fingers…

Embracing the efforts that produced results others could but observe…

Hiding the inadequacies of failure behind a tough shell that sheltered me from the world but inadvertently inhibited my growth…

While we all face distractions and disappointments throughout our lives, holding onto what “once was” rather than reaching out for “what could be” is a recipe for stagnation, mediocrity and a minimalist future.  Things once held as valuable slip from our grasp as we grow older – as we gain new experiences the things once seen as being valuable become less significant, replaced with new and improved processes, alternative solutions and previously unimagined possibilities.  We must remain vigilant lest our safe shore becomes overcome by a rising tide.  If we rest upon our laurels, a once-secure occupational choice may become obsolete – a victim of technological growth or productivity improvement.  Unless constantly nurtured, a secure and comfortable relationship can be tarnished by an unanticipated action (or an uncontrolled reaction).  Life happens – how we react and respond to it will either advance our potential or limit our possibilities.

Unknowingly, I took from those around me – from my world – all that was offered…

            In my naivety seeing little need for thanks or appreciation in return.

I held onto what I felt was mine far too tightly…

Secure in all my abilities provided yet unwilling to grow.

When forced to expand my horizons beyond what could be controlled – finally yielding to      the relentless march of time…

My course was irreversibly altered – changed in ways never dreamed of nor imagined…as past memories failed to sustain a comfortable existence…

Dreams not yet solidified were launched from an unstable foundation that beckoned me to hold on until the very end – until there would be no base from which to move forward – rather than looking ahead.

Sometimes we take from our present circumstance all it offers, not ever planning for a time when it might end.  Few individuals find a single employer, line of work, or career to last them a lifetime.  Whether due to fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of becoming “something or someone different,” some people tend to hold on to what they have for far too long.  Today’s world demands life-long learning – be it within business, industry or personal relationships.  Education (not necessarily college – Trade education or the ongoing attainment of specialized skills is also education.) is no longer “preferred” within today’s workforce – it is required.  Computer skills are not a luxury – they are essential.  Literacy (knowing how to read, comprehend and communicate) can act as a sail to one’s career – leading one to worlds unknown and unexplored – or a millstone around one’s neck as the lack of mental exercise and imagining bring growth to a standstill.  While one may be able to “stand his or her ground” for a short period of time, it is rare that life allows us to live on “cruise control.”  Unless we are moving forward we are either falling backwards OR standing in another’s way.  It is far better that we position ourselves to anticipate what might happen before it occurs – to influence our destiny rather than allowing uncontrollable situations to force our hand – while melding our thoughts, dreams and possibilities into an intentionally planned and ever-changing reality.

  

Though I still remember and reach for my past…

Searching desperately for what has passed me by...

Grasping for what once was but shall never be again…

Those very memories now seem as but water running through my fingers…

Their substance un-contained within my hands…

                        Their memories flowing through my grasp as if they were never there…

Leaving but occasional thoughts of what once was casting light into my darkened world.

I desperately seek the comfort that once encompassed my soul – the thoughts that once defined my path…

The possibilities that being one with my potential rather than limited by my reality provided…

            Finding substance within my existence…meaning within the shadows of my emerging world.

When we live in the past we can be absorbed by “what used to be” rather than seeking out “what is.”  Far too many individuals seek comfort in the belief that they will “be called back to work shortly” rather than seeking a new beginning.  We tend to stagnate ourselves (and all those around us) when we seek to establish our value within past memories – when we create an identity in “what we were” rather than in “who we are” or “what we might yet become.”  Seeking comfort in what once was may not be a fatal flaw – but finding shelter from our present reality within the confines of the past will never allow us to grow.

Yet life goes on for time does not stand still.

To secure a future we must reach out to grasp what has yet to be offered.

We must build bridges to traverse the waters flowing freely through our fingers…

We must acknowledge that the security our past once provided has been washed away…

            A new beginning spreading before us like a never-ending sea…

We must sail into the unblemished horizon seeking others willing to share it…

But we must first let go of what has been…of what we were and who we are…

Before we can reach confidently for what has yet to be.

While our parents and grandparents may have found security within the four walls of one company or lived in one house forever, few of us will experience life without unexpected or unplanned change.  Change is the only thing constant in life and, while it is only natural for people to step back when they face uncertain times or unpredictable challenges, we must not step back so far that we fall over the cliff while we are not looking.  Though getting to the bottom quickly MAY emphasize that there is no way left to go but up, there is no guarantee that we would survive a free-fall through our past when seeking our future.  People who anticipate changes intentionally set their course upon the waters left behind by “melted memories” rather than being washed away by them – thriving as they sail ahead rather than being becalmed on calm and untroubled seas.  Before moving forward, most successful individuals examine the past, take from it (and build upon) what is valuable, leave behind what may be detrimental, then move forward with confidence that what could be is worth whatever it might cost to leave behind what will never change.  Do not drown in the waters as they flow through your fingers, rather hold tightly only to those things that will bring hope to your future and help you realize your dreams.