31/05/2020
WHAT IS AN OPPORTUNIST?
Seven traits about opportunists
1) They are creative
Opportunists see the world in a different light than most. Rarely do they find themselves "victim to circumstance". Rather, they create their own circumstance based on extrinsic conditions. Where there is a will, there is a way - it just depends on the person's perception. They consider opportunity their private property because they know they are personally creating it from personal chance.
2) They don't believe in "the norm"
The masses have been conditioned to follow a specific set of rules - as have opportunists. The difference between those who dive into oceans of opportunity and those who stay on the deck is that the latter feels uncomfortable bending rules in order to seize opportunity. In contrast, opportunists believe people can and should choose their own values, which brings us to…
3) The ends always justify the means
Opportunists are viewed by critics as selfish or biased. They are said to be willing to compromise "normal" values and principles in order to maximize gain. They are driven by the allure of success. It's hard to back down from any situation until they feel they've come out with a gain - no matter the cost. They hate feeling like they've given up on something prematurely, which means...
4) They have to be optimists
Opportunist behaviour is influenced by the general life situations we all find ourselves in. However, while some see no other choice but to cut their losses and move on (sometimes to group therapy), opportunists seek solace by targeting the silver lining. The only thing an opportunist sees as a pitfall is in not being an opportunist.
5) They are resourceful
Opportunists love resources - and they seethem everywhere they go. The old adage "the whole world looks like a hammer when all you've got is a nail," might be their mantra. They feel disadvantaged if they don't access every resource available to them. Make the most of what you have, honey.
6) They like to stay informed
Opportunists know information is valuable in itself. The act of using it to one's advantage is called intellectual opportunism. They understand that human knowledge can be traded in a market of ideas - or in some cases, swindled, haggled, and hustled with.
7) They are constantly calculating outcomes
Opportunists see the world in two colours: advantaged and disadvantaged. For obvious reasons, they prefer to be in positions of advantage - and feel disadvantaged if they are not within reach of possible gain. The process of opportunity, as described in Opportunism: How to Change the World--One Idea at a Time starts with identifying opportunity and continues with selecting the right alternative and appropriate way to attain it - either immediately or sometime in the future.
