Albert Einstein used to say that opportunities are hidden in the midst of difficulties. But how to see them if we are in a shattered mood and our mind is trapped in the maze of anxiety? We're about to find out.
Written and verified by the psychologist GetPersonalGrowth.
Last update: 15 November 2021
Opportunities are usually only seized by the smartest minds. Being prepared does not simply mean knowing how to apply the art of strategy, a meticulous plan, technical knowledge. Knowing how to see the opportunities for change in any context also means counting on a good dose of self-esteem, enthusiasm, good emotional management, patience, resistance to frustration, etc.
The art of knowing how to seize opportunities at the right time directly depends on personal growth. Without a doubt, we would all like to be able to see open doors when there are only closed windows in front of us. Succeeding is not just a matter of practice, of collecting a lot of academic qualifications or luck. It is also a mental approach predisposed to see sparks of hope in the folds of difficulties.
There are many people who have achieved success even in the least favorable circumstances. A classic example is, without a doubt, Steve Jobs. When they fired him from Apple, the company he had founded, far from giving up, started another project, no less brilliant and now iconic: Pixar. In a short time, he also became the largest shareholder of Disney.
From a psychological point of view it is advisable to extend the meaning of the term "opportunity". We must not associate it exclusively with the professional sphere, with success in the world of work. Opportunity is above all knowing how to generate a change capable of offering us well-being, emotional and personal growth.
Opportunities in times of crisis
In psychology there is an at least interesting concept. We refer to the "cost of opportunities", an idea that defines how much it is difficult, at times, to reach a desired goal while preparing for it.
We are about to find out through some examples. Many of us prepare to embark on a certain path in life, investing time, effort and money. Despite this, sometimes the job market offers us few opportunities.
Another example is given by those parents who take their children to piano lessons from an early age. They do this in the belief that it will make them happier and that they will improve their cognitive skills by offering them more opportunities for the future. These children, however, are very stressed.
Sometimes the price to pay for some opportunities is too high and, far from benefiting us, it makes us unhappy and opening up to life is more difficult for us. Opportunities are undoubtedly a random and complicated concept.
We cannot always foresee or anticipate them and sometimes even having them in front of our eyes we cannot see them, because we are not ready. Worry, anxiety or despair prevent us from seeing those locks to open in order to abandon ourselves to change.
It is therefore important to take care of our psychological health to allow ourselves those changes that affect our own well-being. Let's see how.
Opportunities: do they happen or do we create them?
We often hear it said that opportunities are created. Modern society always tries to convince us of the idea that each of us is master of his own destiny, create your own occasions with commitment.
As we all know, however, circumstances are not always on our side. However prepared and how hard we work, opportunities are scarce, especially in times of crisis.
Perhaps for this reason we must acquire a new competence: that of knowing how to see the opportunities between the cracks of difficulties. As the philosopher and military Sun Tzu said, victory is achieved with the ability to seize opportunities in the midst of problems. But sometimes our point of view on problems blurs our sight.
Here, rather than obsessing over wanting to accumulate qualifications, courses or technical skills, we should also focus on certain psychological skills. Adequate emotional and daily stress management, for example, would be an essential survival tool.
Likewise, resistance to frustration and the ability to cultivate hope even in difficult times are dimensions to train.
The courage to look up to see beyond our sufferings
Opportunities are revealed to those who see reality without prejudice, just as they hide from those trapped in the prison of depression, attached to the shackles of an anxiety disorder. It is not easy to seize opportunities when the mind is not on our side and when we experience suffering in all its forms.
Knowing how to see opportunities even on difficult days is the only way to save yourself and move forward. Very often we do not expect from life an open door to success or fame; what we really want is to feel good, to feel at ease with ourselves and with those around us.
Such a thing takes effort; look up to see beyond ourselves and connect with those around us and, therefore, look from the heart, participate with a flexible, creative and intuitive mind. Difficult days come and go, but it's up to us to navigate under any circumstances and allow ourselves to advance when we see opportunities for progress. Let's think about it.
