Money. Power. Control of our own destiny. To take care of our families. Freedom to do as we choose.

I don't know anyone who doesn't want (more of) these. I hear people talk about them all the time -- on their blogs, tweets, Instagram photos and captions. It's an easy topic to discuss because everyone's in agreement about wanting them.

It's a much harder thing to go and get. But not for the reason you probably think.

I've personally seen power and control handed to people who have plainly stated that they wanted it. And when it's given to them -- right there in their face to take for their own -- excuses come out all of a sudden.

I need to think about it.

I want it, but not this way.

I don't make decisions quickly.

I don't understand it.

We all have heard how tough situations revels people, how we find out what someone is really made of when that person is in a compromising position. We all know this, because we've all been through tough times, at the bottom looking up.

The opposite end of this spectrum is true too: you find out much more quickly what someone is made of when he has everything he claims he wants right in front of him. When he's standing on the edge, with wings on his back and all he has to do is jump and fly. You'll be surprised to see how many people turn around and go back to walking, where's it's safe and comfortable. And have perfectly rational explanations as to why.


Opportunity does not kick down doors. It knocks ever-so-lightly, one time. Then it walks away, usually for good.