This is a very difficult time. The time is full of uncertainties, crisis, challenges, problems and disruptions? Yes, that is absolutely true. But there is another absolute truth? That is the fact every problem or challenge comes with its iotas of opportunities.
Yes, there is coronavirus out there. One-third of the world population is under partial or full lockdown. It is difficult to earn income from any of our usual sources. Keeping body and soul together is a very difficult task today. Governments are as perplexed as well as citizens and residents.
In the midst of all these, there are clear opportunities. Many new sources of income are being opened up. New relationships are being formed while some existing relationships are been strengthened. Not minding the fact that many businesses are facing death or near death situations, new businesses are being born. New skills are being learnt. New business models are emerging. Of course, not many people can see these opportunities.
The fact is that COVID 19, being a matter of life and death, has overshadowed everything else. It has overwhelmed our world for now. For you to see any other thing for now, you must be intentional about it. Be intentional and work with the consciousness of the fact that there is going to be a ‘world after COVID 19’ and there is need to prepare for that world that is to come. Don’t wait till the end of this crisis before you begin to seek new opportunities. By then it would have been too late.
Coronavirus like any other human problem is producing and positioning its own millionaires and billionaires. It is bringing new people, new ideas, new businesses, organizations and new nations into relevance. The global, regional and national power equations will be changed forever.
I must remind people within companies, organizations and institutions that the power equations in those places are changing right now. The skills, qualifications and experiences that once made you a super star are fast becoming irrelevant. This is the time to learn fast, unlearn fast and relearn fast. Embrace the new normal.
My idea today is to emphasize the need to be able to identify new opportunities now and position accordingly. How do you identify opportunities?
- By inspiration or intuition. Every one has done measure of intuition. It is inherent in all of us. Each person develops his to certain level. Being intuitive is not necessarily a sign that you are spiritual. It is an indication that you are human being, made in the image of God. Prayer helps to develop your intuition and release of inspiration. But the intuition was there ever before you learn how to pray. There are ideas that drop into your mind from time to time. Some sound brilliant while others may appear almost foolish at the beginning. Don’t just ignore them. Research more about them. Ask more questions about them.They me be leading you to solutions to your current problems. They may even be preparing you for solution to a problem that hasn’t come or at least you have not noticed it as a problem. They may be leading you to discovery solution to some human problems. The fact that you now have more time to be alone and away from your usual tight schedules, due to partial or total lockdown, is an advantage in disguise.
- By thoughtfulness. Everybody thinks. But thinking is not necessarily the same as thoughtfulness. I define thoughtfulness as ‘intentional thinking’. Take time out to think through specific subjects in your life or the society. Give adequate attention and avoid distractions. That is how to become productive through thoughtfulness. For the general ‘thinking’, you don’t have to put any efforts. It doesn’t require any discipline. Events, noice and activities of the society around you will suggest for you what to engage your mind with. But you are not sure of any fruitful or desired outcomes simply by engaging in general ‘thinking’. Thoughtfulness requires discipline. And it is the hallmark of successful people.
- By observation. Everyone sees, except for the blind. I believe even the blind have their own way of seeing. I used to be in a secondary school with a number of blind students. However, not everyone observes. Observation is ‘seeing and thinking’ at the same time. This also requires discipline and a lot of intentionality.
- By Problems, Discomfort and Dislikes. The presence of problems in our lives and our desires to get out of them are pointers to the potentials to get the problems solved. In fact, the fact that you dislike a particular situation is a pointer to the presence of a solution to that problem either within you or around you. It is also a pointer to the fact that the solution will be worthwhile when discovered. The magnitude of the problem is a pointed to the value of the solution it requires. There must be problems in human societies. Contrary to our religious orientations, a prayer that there should be no problem in our world is a prayer that will never be answered. When one problem goes another one comes. Because it is in providing solutions to problems that we find our relevance as humans. Every human problem has human solution. Any problem that the Creator allows here on earth is a problem whose solution is already here with us. Our duty as humans is to find out the solution. Our world has not gotten a problem without a solution. Rather, there are problems whose solutions have not been discovered by man.
- By comfort and enjoyment. The fact that we enjoy a situation or an experience and our desire to perpetuate them is a pointer to some opportunities. Being able to create conform and enjoyment for people is very valuable.