Birthday Epiphany: Why I'm the Birthday Cake Crumb Snatcher of the Business World

This card was given to me by my sister for my birthday

Birthdays. A time for cake, contemplation, and, in my case this year, a startling self-discovery. No, it wasn't a midlife crisis. It was something far more fundamental: I realized I'm an opportunist thanks to a birthday card that described the differences between optimistic, pessimistic, and opportunistic. Hold on before you conjure images of a pinstriped villain gleefully scheming to exploit every loophole. My brand of opportunism is a little less nefarious, a little more birthday cake crumb snatcher.

Here's the thing life throws a lot at you, and most of it isn't neatly wrapped with a bow. There are challenges, setbacks, and situations that leave you feeling like you're staring down a plate of burnt toast. But here's where the "opportunist me" kicks in. I see those burnt pieces not as failures but as fuel for adaptation.

Let's take, for instance, every time I’ve started any business, the insane number of “Nos” that I have received or huddles to be listed as a supplier for a company. Most folks would have called it quits, licked their wounds, and moved on. Not me. I saw it as a crash course in how to get closer to the ideal meal. I dissected the reasons behind the failure, learned from my mistakes (or try to learn) and used that knowledge to build a business that thrived.

It's not just about the big blows, though. My "opportunist eyes" are constantly scanning for the little crumb opportunities scattered throughout the day. Did a client meeting get canceled? Perfect, time to catch up on that neglected proposal or a short hike. Stuck in a traffic jam? Let’s call some friends, clients, or family members.

This relentless pursuit of opportunity might seem exhausting, but for me, it's thrilling. It's like playing a perpetual game of "Where's Waldo?" except, instead of a red-and-white striped sweater, I'm looking for the hidden potential in every situation. Now, I'm not saying this approach is for everyone. Some folks thrive on stability, and that's perfectly respectable. But for me, the constant hunt for the next crumb keeps me energized, engaged, and, dare I say, a little bit mischievous.

There are, of course, downsides to this relentless optimism. Sometimes, I miss the beauty of simply savoring the moment. I can get so focused on the next opportunity that I forget to appreciate the present one. And let's not forget the occasional face-plant that comes with taking too many risks. But even the face-plants have their silver linings. They teach me resilience, force me to adapt, and ultimately, make me a better opportunist.

So, the next time you see me, don't be surprised if I'm scanning the room, eyes peeled for the next opportunity. Because, as they say, one man's burnt toast is another man's gourmet charcoal-infused breakfast sensation. And in the world of the opportunistic entrepreneur, even the crumbs are worth celebrating.

Cheers to opportunism, my friends! 🥂