Let me preface this by saying that Eric Thomas is the man responsible for the “when you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe” speech, so if he says it – its worth discussing.
So many times in life we are presented with opportunities, but we are equally presented obligations. To me, opportunities present an avenue for personal growth, positive change, etc., where as obligations are the things we have to do to simply exist. We often relate these things to the more droning, less exciting tasks of life (think bills, grocery shopping, tasks at work, etc.).
Yet, what if we had a shift to begin seeing the obligations as opportunities?
Every single one of us would rather put our effort, time, and money into opportunities rather than obligations. It is much more gratifying to buy that new “thing” that makes us feel special, the newest phone, shoes, car, whatever your “thing” may be. We get a lot more likes on social media posting nice things than we do from posting our $0 credit card balance or the receipt for our rent money order, which seems to be one of modern society’s biggest forms of gratification. You see a lot more already successful (or faux successful) people on social media finding fame than the little guy working his way up the ladder.
Yet, what if we began to shift to a differing mindset? “But you’re supposed to do those things! You shouldn’t get credit for what you’re supposed to do!” Why not..? Who said that was a rule? I’m much more impressed by someone who sees paying their debts off in their entirety as an opportunity rather than an obligation, or seeing someone drive an older model car so they can afford their night classes, than someone who flaunts their garage full of cars or closet full of shoes.
The other benefit of seeing things as opportunities rather than obligations is that it creates more opportunities. Paying off a credit card frees up more funds for the things you enjoy. Making sure your electric bill is up to date gives you the internet and power you need to do assignments at home and further your education. Sacrificing to send your kids to a better school presents them with a greater chance of getting into a good school and receiving scholarships and financial aid, presenting more opportunities to not only you, but them when that time comes.
We need to have a tidal shift in our thinking to see the possibly boring things in life as exciting opportunities for growth.
Deconstructed Echos 