Day 12 of the 31 Days of Blog Awesomeness covered the idea of imaginary barriers that often stop entrepreneurs from attaining their goals. Today is about how there is very little difference between obstacles and opportunity.
Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage. Niccolo Machiavelli
Most people think of obstacles as the barriers that prevent them from having access to the opportunities that could make them successful. If they are pitying themselves enough they’ll even feel like they are the only one with the obstacles in their path and that others have opportunities galore. A true entrepreneur recognizes that every opportunity comes with obstacles and that is exactly what drives them to succeed.
Obstacle: Something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress
Opportunity: A chance for advancement, progress or profit; a favorable circumstance or occasion
How can Machiavelli claim that these two are similar when they appear diametrically opposed? An obstacle is usually present for everybody. One of the barriers I hear the most is that many businesses and ideas take a great time investment. Remember that everybody gets 24 hours in a day. The successful entrepreneur knows that she can harness the power of those hours to accomplish her goals. She also recognizes that many others will stop at the painted lines and let the opportunity slip.
Opportunity favors the bold. Obstacles stop the slothful.
This is me on ABC’s Wipeout Season 1. I’m in the red shirt. A great example of how obstacles are also opportunities. The winner of this competition got $50,000.
