The Great Opportunity of Great Shortcomings

- ©GC Diaries

It was in an internal memo of 1876 that the Western Union said that; "The Telephone has too many shortcomings and it inherently has no value to us."

Fast forward to the 20th and 21st century, the telephone (esp. the mobile flavour) has become a key part of our lives - economically, socially and otherwise.

They saw Great Shortcomings and missed the Great Opportunity.

Many times in our lives, we complain about lack of opportunities - in business, career and elsewhere.

We are frustrated by the lack of our own progress and are experts in spotting why something will not work.

We are reluctant and suspicious of stretching beyond our comfort zone because we see GREAT Shortcomings.

We keep our hands down, instead of standing up to be counted.

I remember the first day I held a basketball in my hand....it was this big, heavy thing which I couldn't throw far/high enough to reach the hoop.

It was easy for me to see the great shortcomings and join others at the terraces - missing the great opportunity to enjoy this wonderful game that has created many fond memories and taught me so much about life.

I remember the first time I rode a bicycle....I collided into the wall, fell, bruised my knee and cried.

It was easy to see the great shortcomings and miss the great opportunity of fun, exercise and transportation.

I remember my first international consulting assignment...it was to spend 6 months in a country better known for its war and conflict.

To break out and break in, I had to go where others were not willing to go - where they saw Great Shortcomings, I had to see Great Opportunities.

Sometimes it just takes your willingness to say "YES", to give your career a leap - inspite of the discomfort.

Sometimes it just takes your willingness to try out a new business idea, to build an empire - inspite of the challenges.

Sometimes it just takes a small seed of faith, to move a mountain, inspite of its size.

Great Opportunities and Great Shortcomings are two sides of the same coin;

Where one exists, the other resides.

Flip the coin and begin to see value where others see no value.
Flip the coin and begin to see solutions where others see problems.
Flip the coin and begin to see possibilities where others see impossibilities.

Often we see the shortcomings and run away.
We ought to sober up a little, man/woman-up a little and run to them.
Let's see the Great Shortcomings for what they really are - Great Opportunities.

True, we need courage and boldness.
True, we will be bruised and even fail.
True, it will be painful.
And true, we will experience some shortcomings.

But you must remember that shortcomings come for a short time.
Like a speed bump, they may slow you down but can not stop you.
Soon, you will be on the straight and wide.
Exploiting and enjoying the fruit of the Great Opportunities.

They will hear about you.
They will read about you.
They will watch you.
Their lives will be changed by you.

One day, they will ask you.
How did you do it?
And please, answer them honestly.

That you sought to challenge the challenges.
That you knew that discomfort was the door and the ticket to your comfort.
That you saw a Great Shortcoming and pursued it.
You flipped the coin and grabbed the Great Opportunity!

"Greatness is built on the mountain of Great Shortcomings."

Because Great Shortcomings ARE Great Opportunities!

©GC Diaries