“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Thomas Edison

I had a clarion moment regarding personal growth earlier this week. While taking my daily walk, I reflected on how much I was not “feeling it” on one particular morning. For the past few years, I have made walking a part of my daily routine. I have learned the value of exercise for my health and energy levels, but I simply did not feel like doing it. (This is not unusual if you stick with any type of exercise routine long enough. Some days you want to do it, some days you don’t.) While thinking about the situation, I recalled the Thomas Edison quote: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” I also thought about the concept of hard work in relation to the roadblocks that can arise as we try to grow and live a life of balance and wellness.
There are several types of roadblocks we must confront in dealing with the day-to-day challenges we all face. I believe that most people feel better about some roadblocks, then they do others. Some common roadblocks people deal with may be a lack of knowledge, a lack of ability, a lack of resources, or a lack of support to accomplish our goals. These roadblocks don’t have much of a stigma to them. We all know what it is like to lack the talent, skills, and logistical capability to get something done. On the other hand, we can fail to admit that one of our most formidable roadblocks is ourselves. There are tasks that we need to do if we are going to be happy, healthy, and successful (however we define that). Some of these tasks will not be pleasant. They may be difficult and painful. Many of us miss opportunity simply because of the pain and the price involved.
For years, I had desired to pursue a master’s degree. Due to work and personal responsibilities, I felt like I lacked the time and financial resources to accomplish that goal. In hindsight, I still agree with that assessment. However, a couple years ago, circumstances arose that allowed me to pursue and complete my goal. While I was grateful to have the needed circumstances arise, I still had to do the school work, on top of the personal and professional responsibilities in my life. In the process, I identified that I was capable of doing more than I gave myself credit for. While having fortuitous circumstance is desirable, the challenge for me was simply to put in the work.
As you assess the roadblocks in your life, do you see areas were the only thing limiting opportunity is your hard work?