At first glance, opportunity may appear as a singular solid mass.  Yet,  its construction actually consists of multiple, interrelated layers. One overlapping the other, each oriented in such a way as to require a certain measure of patience, enduring persistence and a committed effort to seek what lay beneath the outer surface, each layer below and finally what resides at its core.

Now some may be content to just run with what is obvious and readily apparent from the outside.  Finding enough satisfaction and a modicum of accomplishment in getting what they happen to get with minimal risk and exertion. Choosing a course of expediency over what is  really being offered.

But those that are willing to fully invest in the moment, discern the truth of the situation and embrace opportunity in full stand to gain so much more. Not merely as a possession.  But more so an avenue that can perpetually lead them directly to what they can become. A chance to divine one’s purpose, experience lasting personal achievement and pursue a path towards excellence. 

On more than one occasion over the course of coaching football, we came to speak of “wearing a target”.  How we would be pursued during a specific game, rivalry or over the course of a season as a whole.  The inevitable by-product of developing a positive attitude, winning approach, culture of accountability, team and program. In some cases by making history and simply causing a lot of people to wonder just where we came from.

This too might occur in a professional setting.  Corporate rivalries, competitors and the like that see you as the largest obstacle to their success in the market.  Then one level lower, maybe there are those you work with or against in sales or customer service that place that target on the back of your polo. 

Regardless of the situation, there are several ways you can choose to look at this circumstance or scenario. Most of which may backfire. 

But in reality, there is but one way  to see it for what it genuinely is; opportunity.  

Not so much  of the singular solid mass variety. But more so a construction consisting  of multiple, interrelated layers. 

Well suited for who you are and what you are built to become.

Unfortunately, the idea of wearing a target can be easily misconstrued as a hindrance.  Unwanted pressure.  Excess weight.  One more thing to worry about.  Thoughts, then words and eventually actions that dismisses, distorts and disparages  the true opportunity that lay beneath each  layer.

Wearing a target whatever your vocation is a badge of honor.  

The medallion that signifies selfless effort, an absence of ego, unyielding commitment, resolute faith and  a boundless passion for the mission. An insignia that tells all where you came from, what you made yourself into and where you can ultimately go.  

From a football perspective, each and every scrimmage and game enjoined during a season could be viewed as a conference championship.  Each opponent’s opportunity to take aim at the target. Take you down. Show the state they beat the champ. To be as good or better than you for one Friday night.  A prime example of seeing opportunity as only a singular mass. 

In the work world, each effort to expand your presence in the market may be viewed in similar fashion.  The sales call intended to turn a customer your way or gain entry into a new market will be known.  The manner in which you covet a customer to the extent that you make them the center of your efforts ripples back to the competition.  

And yet, while they focus their thoughts, words and deeds to try to be as good as or better than your team, your company or you,  you will still be working towards a much more significant and singular opportunity: becoming the  best version of yourself and all you were intended to become at this particular moment. 

From a football sense a  layer or two beneath might be the chance to gain mass, increase strength and add speed,  Peel back another may find you reaching that team GPA level, increasing community service times two and supporting every other athlete, artist, performer and scholar on their field of play as they do on yours.  

From a professional sense, maybe you gain attention, develop a new relationship, explore how you might benefit one another and begin to work together.  Multiple layers within that one instance.  Multiply that by infinity as your thoughts, words and deeds spread through the market.  

Embracing the appellation of “wearing the target” need not distract you from your goals and desires.  It simply means that how you go has obviously inspired others to pursue being like  you.  

You should  appreciate that sense of affirmation.  

But at the same token, it is meant to seriously fuel your engines to take things even further.  

So let them apply the target and chase.  

Be it with all you have. 

And then? 

Lead the way.