Opportunity Lost

If you're in Australia, you probably know that we're currently going through a huge economic boom, and you probably know it's mainly due to the mining and resources industry in Western Australia (where I live).

Practically every day, our local newspaper talks about the growing economy - how property values have shot up, wages in the mining industry are at a record high, and businesses supplying that industry are also making money hand over fist.

But not everybody is happy.

Every few days, somebody writes to the Letters to the Editor column of The West Australian complaining that not everybody benefits - and in particular, that the boom is passing them by. A few days ago, somebody wrote that public servants aren't getting their fair share of the booming economy.

Now I'm not in any way suggesting that she is wrong. In fact, she's right. But it does indicate a curious way of thinking.

She thinks a booming economy creates wealth. It doesn't.

It creates the OPPORTUNITY for wealth.

And that's a different thing altogether.

The economy is booming. Property prices are booming. The Internet is booming.

All true. And all incredible opportunities for massive success ... IF you're willing to do what it takes.

Those who grasp the opportunity wisely will succeed in a big way. Those who stay on the sidelines might get lucky. And those who complain about everybody else's success will fail ... in a big way.

Carpe diem! (Latin for "Fish bait" ... err, I mean, "Seize the day").

Key words: productivity, leverage

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Gihan Perera is the author of "Get Active: Web Sites for Speakers, Trainers, Coaches and Consultants" and "Fast, Flat and Free: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead in a Connected World". Visit http://GihanPerera.com and get your complimentary copies now.

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