I start by saying that I’m not one of those forever optimists. I look towards life as a series of up and downs, knowing that success won’t always be at the end of the line. However, I believe that a good strategy and hard work pays-off most of the time and gives us a much higher rate of success.

 

We all read articles and reports about the difficult times we are heading. Its a time of uncertainty…But wasn’t uncertainty always there?

 

Overpopulation (we were 5 billions in 1987, today we are 7,5 billions), climate change, artificial intelligence, lack of resources…You name it. All here to hunt us.

 

Is it really true that the world is now a dark place where opportunities are less and less?

 

Well, in my opinion, answer is yes and no. We all agree that the future looks sometimes dark, or at least challenging. But wasn’t always like that? Wasn’t the same in the past when our ancestors looked towards the future with anxiety? Many crops were damaged due to climate,  industries got obsolete. Not so many years ago we had the Cold war and its huge global risks. Imagine the uncertainty back then. The future isn’t  something to be predicted—it’s something to be achieved.

 

Globalization is making us more and more alike. Human behaviours are more and more the same, no matter in which area of the globe. We watch the same movies, listen to the same songs, use the same social networks and even study the similar subjects. OK, its an exaggeration, but its just to illustrate the trend.

 

Lets face it. Not only opportunities are still there, but moreover I believe that actually there are more than before. We are more educated, communicate easier, technology eases and accelerates ideas.

 

This is why I truly believe the time is now. The time for individuality, time to take advantage of what differentiates us.

 

Identify what differentiates you from others, which are you main assets and use them. Whether you are  intrapreneur when or entrepreneur. Have the courage to innovate and fight for your vision and ideals. It will certainly pay-off.

 

Think about it. In a world where standardization is the norm, being unique is key. Be bold!

Yes...The time is now!

by Ricardo B. Costa