Opportunity just exists in the air for a few minutes. If you

"Opportunity just exists in the air for a few minutes. If you don't obey your gut feeling right away, you've lost your chance." These words from Ken Hakuta carry an ancient truth about the ephemeral nature of opportunity. Hakuta speaks to the fleeting moments when the chance for greatness, success, or transformation arises—moments that often vanish if not seized immediately. This understanding of opportunity mirrors a fundamental wisdom that has been passed down through the ages: that time is both precious and unpredictable. When the right moment arrives, one must be prepared to act swiftly, or risk seeing it slip away forever.

In the ancient world, opportunity was often viewed as something that arrived with a divine touch, fleeting and ungraspable if not met with the right action. The Greek goddess of opportunity, Tyche, was often depicted with wings and a lock of hair hanging forward—representing the momentary nature of chance and the importance of catching opportunity while it is within reach. Tyche’s symbol was a reminder that good fortune could arrive unexpectedly, and it was the duty of the wise person to recognize the opportunity and act swiftly. Much like Hakuta's words, the Greeks believed that timing and instinct were crucial for making the most of life's chances.

The concept of acting decisively when opportunity arises is further exemplified in the stories of ancient heroes. Consider the myth of Perseus and his quest to slay the Gorgon Medusa. In this story, the gods gave Perseus the tools he needed—the shield, the sword, and the guidance of Athena—but only if he seized the opportunity to act swiftly and decisively. His success hinged on timing—if he hesitated or did not trust his instincts, Medusa's deadly gaze would have turned him to stone. In the same way, Hakuta’s quote teaches us that hesitation, even for a moment, can rob us of the opportunity for greatness that is sometimes given to us unexpectedly.

In more recent history, the life of Alexander the Great provides a powerful example of seizing opportunity. At the Battle of Gaugamela, Alexander famously took a risky move by charging directly into the heart of the Persian forces. This act of boldness, driven by his instincts and understanding of the situation, led to a crushing victory. Had he hesitated, the tide of the battle might have turned against him. Alexander understood that great moments of opportunity often come once, and those who do not seize them in the moment will find that fortune favors the bold but also the swift. Hakuta’s reflection on opportunity is a reminder that acting on our gut feeling, just as Alexander did, is often the key to success.

A modern example that embodies Hakuta's wisdom comes from the story of Steve Jobs and the creation of Apple Inc. Jobs famously took advantage of the burgeoning technology market in the 1970s, trusting his instincts about the future of personal computing. In his autobiography, Jobs describes the moment when he and his team realized that the personal computer was not just a tool for professionals, but something that could revolutionize the everyday person’s life. Jobs didn’t wait for everyone to catch up to the idea; he trusted his instincts and moved forward with the development of the Macintosh. His immediacy in acting on his vision proved to be one of the key reasons for Apple’s dominance in the technology world.

The lesson in Hakuta’s quote is clear: opportunity is fleeting, and it requires not just awareness, but immediate action. The gut feeling—that inner instinct—often carries more truth than we realize, and when we feel that spark of inspiration, we must trust it and act on it without hesitation. Too often, we let doubt, fear, or the desire for perfection hold us back. But as Hakuta teaches, opportunity does not wait for perfect conditions. It requires boldness and decisiveness, knowing that if we do not act when the moment is right, we may never get the same chance again.

In practical terms, this means we must be present and attuned to the world around us, recognizing moments when we must act quickly. Whether it’s pursuing a career opportunity, making an important life decision, or even simply following our passions, we must trust our instincts and move forward without the fear of failure. Much like Alexander or Steve Jobs, the key to success lies not in waiting for perfect conditions, but in embracing the uncertainty of opportunity and daring to act in the face of it.

So, let us take Hakuta’s words to heart. Life is full of fleeting opportunities, and it is not enough to recognize them; we must act swiftly, trusting in our instincts and the moment that we are given. By doing so, we open the door to growth, achievement, and the fullness of life, knowing that it is only through action that we can make the most of the precious moments that come our way.