Positive Opportunities

In today’s media-driven world, too often the dialog is defined by negativity. Words like “crisis,” “bailout,” “unemployment,” “fraud” and “war” take the headlines. When thinking about opportunity, you must remember that it cannot be given, but must be earned …

Whatever your political leaning, most businesspeople look at the current culture of giveaways and spending with concern. Billions in bailouts, trillions in national debt, thousands of earmarks. It seems like everyone is waiting for the government to come in and solve their problems. Trust me, it won’t work!

Recently, my father, a retired business executive, shared some thoughts on opportunity. He noted that if you try to GIVE opportunity it is no longer opportunity. Opportunity must be earned.

Like education, opportunity can't be given. It must be earned. As a parent you can show your children the way to an education but they must study. You can give a book, a computer, a classroom. The school can give a degree—but only the child can achieve an education.

The same is true for opportunity. We can show our children and our fellow man the way to opportunity but it can't be given, it must be striven for, achieved … secured.

Whether it is the current global economic situation or your own business, remember that you must make your own opportunities. If you wait in line for a bailout or stimulus windfall, it will be a long year.

Thanks Dad.