An ancient proverb states, “A flowing river does not return; an opportunity does not wait for it,” emphasizing the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes one’s way. Opportunities present themselves at various junctures in life, and success often belongs to those who capitalize on them at the opportune moment.
In the Bollywood film “Happy New Year,” featuring superstar Shah Rukh Khan and released in 2014, a dialogue resonates: “There are two kinds of people in the world: winners and losers. Even losers get a chance to transform into winners.” This dialogue reflects a universal truth: individuals worldwide have learned from setbacks and attained success by harnessing additional opportunities through self-assurance and diligent effort.
By cultivating a mindset focused on exploration and adaptation, these individuals not only navigate through adversity but also emerge stronger, inspiring others to follow suit on their journey towards success. Their resilience serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that the path to thriving is paved by those who dare to embrace the unknown with unwavering determination.
Similar to the theme echoed in the dialogue from “Happy New Year,” it is customary for individuals facing death row to be granted a final wish before execution. While this last wish cannot absolve them of all their wrongdoings, it offers a chance for redemption. They may seek forgiveness, apologize to those they’ve wronged, or express that their mistakes should not be repeated by others.
In a story, a King sentenced a criminal to death but allowed him one final wish. After contemplation, the condemned man asked for the opportunity to tame one of the King’s horses, which had been unruly for months, and promised to train it to fly within six months. Captivated by the idea of a flying steed, the King agreed, decreeing that if the criminal succeeded in this feat, his sentence would be forgiven.
Upon hearing this, the man’s companions questioned why he didn’t simply plead ignorance. He explained that he foresaw four potential outcomes from his request: mastering horseback riding in six months, the king’s possible demise due to age or illness, or facing the possibility of his own demise or the death of the horse. Even if none of these outcomes occurred, he would still gain an additional six months of life as a bonus.
This anecdote underscores the importance of seeking possibilities even in dire circumstances. Despite facing death, individuals strive to prolong their lives, utilizing the bonus time to explore further opportunities. Had the man succumbed to despair without exploring alternatives, his life would have ended prematurely.
Life is often likened to a game of possibilities, where success is attained by those who actively seek out and capitalize on opportunities, especially in the face of adversity. Remaining stagnant without exploring possibilities hinders one’s ability to achieve desired success, and even if success is achieved, it may not be sustainable in the long term.
While people often overlook less significant and cheaper things, nothing carries a higher cost than a missed opportunity. Failing to grasp the significance of time and opportunity exacts a heavy burden, with many realizing their value only after they have slipped away, leaving behind only regret.
It is commonly said that the best time to start anything was yesterday, and the next best time is now. Those who possess the knack for recognizing opportune moments tend to achieve favorable results, even when faced with adversity, a phenomenon informally known as “seizing the moment.” Timing truly does hold the key to success.
In everyday speech, individuals might deem someone who consistently capitalizes on opportunities as lucky, believing that everything they touch turns to gold. However, true success stems not from luck but from perseverance and the ability to seize opportunities effectively. It’s about turning challenges into stepping stones and transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth, ultimately forging a path to lasting success.
A prime example is Thuldai Shiv Shrestha, who initially auditioned for a villain role but seized the opportunity to become a hero in the Nepali film industry, ultimately achieving stardom through dedication and proper preparation. Similarly, Nikhil Upreti ascended to action superstardom by effectively showcasing bravery in the face of danger in the movie “Panjada.” Likewise, another actor, Ramesh Upreti, transitioned from being a villain to becoming one of the most sought-after heroes in the Nepali Movie Industry.
Just as each ball in cricket presents challenges and opportunities for the batsman, and every movement of the ball in football offers both challenge and opportunity, every moment in human life presents a similar dynamic. Success in life hinges on the ability to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities effectively, requiring not only skill but also adaptability and resilience. It’s about recognizing that amidst every challenge lies an opportunity waiting to be seized and every obstacle is a chance to showcase determination and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, success is not solely determined by luck but by one’s resilience and adeptness in making the most of available opportunities, particularly during difficult times. It’s about having the courage to pursue goals relentlessly, even when faced with setbacks, and the wisdom to recognize and capitalize on the opportunities that arise along the way. Success is a journey fueled by perseverance, strategic thinking, and a readiness to embrace challenges as stepping stones to greater achievements.
-Author Dr. Malla is a Banker.
