I am often amazed at the number of opportunities that people allow to pass them by, day in and day out. It’s understandable to pass up an opportunity when the timing isn’t right. In fact, that’s where many of life’s most difficult decisions lie. Deciding whether to seize an opportunity and make the most of it has a lot to do with how disruptive the change will be to other aspects of your life, what the total commitment will entail, and how (un)likely it is that you will be afforded such an opportunity again. This kind of A voluntarily missed opportunity should not be seen as a disappointment, but rather as the proper execution of free-will to promote greater happiness–hopefully your own.
What I do find disappointing, however, is that most opportunities are missed simply because we are unable to recognize them or we are unprepared to embrace the life-improvements that they entail. Unfortunately, most people are so consumed with investigating the available small (read: safe) tweaks to their current routines that they miss the big chances to redefine who they are and how they will achieve their ideal lifestyle.
How do I know all this? Because I’ve committed to a life of solving problems and helping people to recognize where their opportunities lie and how to implement major life changes–be it in education, career, philosophy, or relationships.
To be completely honest, I used to get downright depressed when my guidance provoked anything less than immediate success for a student, colleague, or friend. Over the years, however, it’s become clear that very few people are able to see the path out of the forest even when it’s pointed out to them, and even fewer are (mentally) prepared to stray far from camp anyway.
Just remember: someone who is able and willing to help you find the best way forward will usually make time to listen to the gritty details of your woes and hang-ups……once, and only once. If you require the same advice more than one time, you’re probably just not ready to hear it.
Thoughts?
Steven
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