Frogger

What Frogger Can Teach Us About Opportunity

By

Mike Thompson

“Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along.” -Hugh Allen

In the classic 1981 arcade game Frogger, players must navigate frogs through opposing lanes of dense traffic and a crocodile filled river to the safety of an empty lily pad at the top of the screen. Timing is crucial as each position presents itself with distinct challenges and opportunities. Players must quickly discern the next couple potential maneuvers in order to avoid the pitfalls of an ever-changing environment and to enjoy the comfort and security they’re seeking after in the lily pad. 

Much like a player of Frogger, a person may be able to navigate through bleak and highly competitive market conditions to their desired place of security by taking advantage of several small opportunities rather than waiting for one big one. In fact, mirroring a vision with an unbalanced long-term focus, a decision to sit and wait for a clear path from start to finish can quickly become fatal. What often prevents us from seizing an opportunity is failing to recognize it while it’s available.

American Icon Mark Twain once said, “I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one.” I believe this happens to opportunity seekers for one of two main reasons.

One, we are looking in the wrong place in the wrong time. When it comes to recognizing opportunities, short-term vision is crucial and timing is everything. Yes we need to have a long-term vision but if you get caught looking too far ahead at the wrong time you can easily miss what’s right in front of you. These types of opportunities are priceless because they can potentially position you for bigger doors that may soon open.

Two, we fail to find the treasure in what seems to be less desirable opportunities. Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” As we look for that golden life-changing door to swing open we have to keep in mind that it may take a smaller, less desirable one to open it. Sure no one wants to work in a mail room, take the time to volunteer, or go through the hassle of joining a trade organization but these kinds of opportunities position and propel you into new networks that can potentially open more doors than you can walk through.

Are you still waiting for that one big break today?

Then stop waiting and start pursuing! 

Changing the way you look at opportunities will change the number of opportunities you see. Remember, just like Frogger, every move you make will provide a different viewpoint with its’ own distinct challenges and opportunities. Sitting and waiting in bleak, highly competitive and ever-changing market conditions too long can leave you road kill but flowing with continuous short-term strategic movement can be a more effective of way of getting you to that desired place of security in less time.