Within Chaos, Find Opportunity

"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." - Sun Tzu

A year ago today, on March 11, 2020, the Coronavirus was officially declared a pandemic. We have experienced an entire year filled with more ups and downs and challenges than ever before. If I'm being candid, as this date approached, I have felt myself feeling a bit saddened and depressed. It has been a whole year…and yet here we are, still battling this pandemic, with continued chaos and uncertainty. I could feel myself giving in to the chaos a bit. My mindset was slipping back into a bit of a funk. I needed to fight back. 

 

I lead off with a quote from Sun Tzu's book, "The Art of War." The author advises how to use both orthodox and unorthodox actions within chaos to find opportunity. In other words, he is saying we should allow the momentum of what is already going on to work in our favor and catapult us on to victory. The momentum itself may continue to be chaotic, but within chaos, you can also find opportunity. 

 

Orthodox actions are basically straightforward techniques. Tried and true behaviors and actions. You need to do just basic things to get yourself, and others, through it all. Positive habits that you need to either create, instill, or continue doing will keep you going. This could mean:

• Staying healthy and making healthy choices.
• Staying mindful and positive.
• Staying active and productive.
• Keeping yourself grounded and well-centered.
• Giving and helping others.
• Focusing on your passions and purpose.

What basic behaviors and actions can you take to put yourself and others in the best possible position to succeed?

 

But along with these orthodox actions, he also encourages unorthodox actions to come out on top and win the battle. In war, unorthodox actions are surprise attacks and other maneuvers outside the typical boundaries for battle, like ambushes and deception to your enemy. 

In life, this may include doing things that are out of the ordinary. Maybe pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone or taking unexpected actions. Perhaps trying new things and taking more risks. 

The manifestation value of taking action, giving effort, trying (and trying again and again) will provide you with endless possibilities. Instead of thinking "Why," think "Why not?" Instead of "I Can't," think "I Can." 

 

This pandemic has created a significant disruption in our lives. These are unprecedented times filled with so much uncertainty. Causing drastic changes in the way we do things. Some things may never be the same. Everyone's life has been disrupted. But here's the thing about change, we know it's the only constant thing. Change is always going to happen. It is always going to come. You either it or you become a result of it. Which do you choose?  

 

For many people, it has felt like we have put our lives on hold. Our individual needs, wants, and values may have changed. But yet, through it all, some people decided to create positive change in their own lives. This is an excellent time to tap into those changes, find your niche, start up a new business, or maybe provide a service to those in need. Get creative and make the most of these opportunities. 

 

We continue to be encouraged to practice social distancing and to stay at home when possible. Many of us continue to have work-from-home opportunities. This has given us the gift of time (or the illusion of more time). Think about it, you might step out of bed, and you are instantly 'at work'. No long commutes. Less driving around to go to social or sporting events. What are you doing with this 'extra' time? This is the perfect time to create change within ourselves. Stay productive. Create a list of things you want to get done, and start doing them. Set a new workout regimen. Read a good book. Reach out to a friend. Or on a deeper level: Take time to reflect. Focus on your purpose and your passion. There are several things you can do to make productive use of your time. We are at our happiest when we stay productive. We get joy when we get things done. The happiest people don't always 'have' the best of everything; they just 'make' the best of everything.  

 

Keep your eyes open to opportunities! The more you expect it to be there, the more you find that it is! Opportunity is all around us. Opportunities to find more profound powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging. We can develop these opportunities by applying persistence to all the possibilities, allowing us to turn ordinary occasions into extraordinary greatness. And if the door of opportunity is closed, we must knock on it - and keep on knocking on it until it opens. Don't wait for it, go out and find it. Be careful not to let opportunities pass you by while you sit idle thinking about the chances you may have lost. Learn from the past - do not live in it. Don't wonder about the future - create it. Utilize the power of NOW to make a difference in your life!

 

Life is valuable. Don't take it for granted. Stay safe and healthy. Be present and live in the now. Cherish your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Be courteous and kind. Carry an attitude of gratitude in all you do. Be good, do good. Live with passion and compassion. The more mindful we are about happiness, the happier we become. We will come out of this stronger, wiser, better version of ourselves. Start today, start now. Make today the best day of the year, every day. 

 

Make today great!

 

Curtis

"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." -Benjamin Disraeli