The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity.
- John F. Kennedy
There is an old saying - when one door closes, another opens. However, when a door slams shut in your face it’s hard to keep that in focus. There are so many emotions wrapped up with a life change - like losing a job - that opportunities sometimes slip by unnoticed.
There were three times in my life when I was in a great situation in the music business - two in bands and one as a single entertainer. I was “on top of my game,” as I liked to think at the time, and lived for the roars of the crowd and packed houses. The ego boost was all I needed!
But then, each time, I wanted to break out on my own and do my own thing. However, when I left each situation I suddenly became “Mr. Ordinary.” The silence was deafening. Afterward came the loneliness of starting all over again.
I didn’t know it during these times but many people in much higher positions have gone through similar situations. Automotive guru Lee Iacocca went from being Vice-President of the Ford Motor Company to heading up an almost-bankrupt Chrysler Corporation. This meant a change as wide as being the toast of the auto industry - he created the Mustang - to begging for government loans to turn a corporation around that had been in decline for many years. As he lobbied relentlessly in Washington for Congress to back loan guarantees for the company to proceed he could have easily slipped into a deep depression. During this time he often pined for the carefree days of Ford.
Changing occupations and/or lifestyles can be traumatic both physically and mentally. However, after the adulation and ego boosts are stripped away there could be a genuine opportunity staring you in the face. It’s up to you to recognize it.
Stumble it!