Seizing opportunities fosters a mindset of continuous improvement, enabling us to refine our skills and expand our horizons.
The other day, I watched a SpaceX launch with my dad. I mentioned that there were plans to return to the moon. My dad asked “Why?” and without really thinking, I initially replied that I thought we needed to remind ourselves that we could. That response lingered with me for several days, so I did an internet search. Turns out, I was not too far off. The NASA website states, “We’re going back to the moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers: the Artemis generation.”
Earlier this week, I spoke at a school about careers in STEM fields. One of the things I spoke about was the challenges of the next 20 years. We discussed diseases, the growing population, climate change, and an aging infrastructure. And we talked about where new ideas may come from. I told them that their generation would be the ones to solve these problems, not mine because we need new ideas that consider the integration of the entire systems as well as the human element, all while trying to minimize unintended consequences. The years of doing things the way we always have would not work for these future solutions.
This may be why I get such a charge out of watching rocket launches, even the ones that fail. We are trying to do something we have not done in more than 50 years, and that is land a person back on the moon. And then, we are aiming beyond for Mars. We are trying to push our limits again on what we can do. Elon Musk said, “You want to wake up in the morning and think the future is going to be great – and that’s what being a spacefaring civilization is all about. And I can’t think of anything more exciting than going out there and being among the stars.”
In our professional lives, taking chances can be a pivotal force that propels us toward success and fulfillment. Each opportunity seized, each risk embraced, opens doors to new experiences, learning, and growth. Whether embarking on a new career path, launching a startup, or pitching an innovative idea, embracing uncertainty can lead to remarkable achievements. Taking chances cultivates resilience and adaptability, essential traits in today’s dynamic work environment. It fosters creativity, pushing us beyond our comfort zones to explore uncharted territories. While the fear of failure may loom large, it often outweighs the potential rewards of daring greatly.
I shared with the classroom that it is OK to fail. Any new solution is going to be untested. And most will not work that first time – they will fail. But as Thomas Edison famously said, “I didn’t fail. I found 10,000 ways that don’t work.” Ask Elon Musk about his reusable launch systems and Starship programs. By my last count, SpaceX’s Starship rocket prototypes have exploded six times. Or ask this young robotics class what they did when their underwater ROV sank that first time. You try something else. Yes, some failures come with a very expensive learning curve (ask Elon Musk), but the key word there is “learning.” You fail, you try something else, and you keep moving forward.
A learning curve is not just a process. It represents the journey of acquiring new skills, knowledge, and experiences. Embracing the learning curve brings forth numerous benefits, including:
- Fostering adaptability. It enables individuals to navigate through various challenges and changes with ease. As one climbs the learning curve, they become more adept at problem-solving and decision-making, crucial skills in any endeavor.
- Cultivating resilience. Improvement takes patience. Each hurdle overcome and each lesson learned strengthens one’s resolve and determination, empowering them to persevere in the face of adversity.
- Promoting innovation and creativity. As individuals explore new territories and absorb fresh insights, they uncover novel perspectives and ideas that can spark innovation and drive progress.
Ultimately, seizing opportunities fosters a mindset of continuous improvement, enabling us to refine our skills and expand our horizons. In the end, those who dare to take chances not only shape their futures but also inspire others to pursue their dreams. I think it is necessary that sometimes we shoot for the moon, if only to remind ourselves that we can. After all, everyone can be part of the Artemis generation.
Greg Sepeda, retired, was formerly chief engineer and vice president of operations at Sigma Consulting Group, Inc. (a Waggoner Company). Contact him at gpsepeda@gmail.com.
