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Here’s a phrase I suspect you may have heard from someone in conversation. ‘I didn’t see that coming.’ It’s a way to note the unexpected. How many times in our day-to-day lives do we expect one thing – but suddenly find something else? Perhaps a bit startled – it’s then up to us to react. And, we have a choice to make. Will we be disappointed and perhaps react negatively in some way – or will we see the changed circumstance – and begin with a firm belief that there must be some opportunity – albeit perhaps hidden – in this new circumstance. Then, acting on this belief, we actually do seize the opportunity and achieve an unexpected success.
Well, we’re not alone. There are powerful examples of people who have done just that – achieved success – seemly in very unexpected circumstances. One of my favorite examples is Steve Jobs' unveiling of the iPhone in 2007. Apple, primarily known for computers and iPods at the time, saw the potential in converging various technologies into a single device. The late Jobs was prepared to take advantage of this opportunity when it arose, revolutionizing the smartphone industry and reshaping the way we communicate, work, and live. His foresight and preparation allowed Apple to capitalize on an unforeseen market gap, making the iPhone a global phenomenon.
Perhaps even more unexpected – how about J.K. Rowling's journey to success with the Harry Potter series? Rowling, a struggling single mother at the time, had the idea for the wizarding world during a train delay. While she faced numerous rejections, Rowling persisted in her writing, and when the opportunity to publish finally arrived, she was ready. The meticulous preparation of building an entire magical universe in her mind allowed her to create a literary phenomenon that captivated readers worldwide, changing the landscape of children's literature forever.
And here’s one that was not obvious, in the least, at the time - Elon Musk and his success with Tesla. Musk, known for his ventures in technology and space exploration – in simple terms, ‘Musk was not a car guy!’ Yet given his work in parallel sectors, he came upon an unexpected opportunity - seeing the potential for electric cars and renewable energy. His visionary approach and relentless preparation allowed Tesla to capitalize on a niche market, challenging the traditional automotive industry. Today, Tesla stands as a leader in electric vehicles, illustrating the value of being prepared to seize unexpected opportunities and drive innovation in industries thought to be unchangeable.
So, the next time, you find yourself in a situation – and the unexpected circumstance presents itself – why not muster up the positive energy to find the successful path forward – and join the ranks of Steve Jobs, J.K. Rowling, and Elon Musk – and know that you are definitely in the best of company.
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