“What’s the opportunity that this is?”
I first heard this question at a seminar with Jack Canfield in August 2009. It immediately intrigued me. Canfield uses this question constantly—in every conversation he has throughout the day, in everything he perceives through his senses. It gives him an optimistic view of the world and a positive feeling. It also helps him more easily recognize the opportunities that arise.

Since then, I’ve been practicing asking myself this question. The beauty of it is that it truly applies to everything—to major life events like losing a job or going through a divorce, but also to everyday, seemingly ‘small’ occurrences.

Here’s an example. Recently, I was playing the card game “pesten” (a Dutch version of Uno) with my wife and daughter. At one point, a series of penalty cards was played, and it ended with me having to draw 18 cards. There I was, hands full of cards, barely able to hold them. In that moment, my ‘old’ reaction would have been one of self-pity, frustrated that my chances of winning had drastically decreased. But instead, I asked myself: “What’s the opportunity that this is?”

My new response was one of curiosity and a forward-looking attitude—wondering what this wide variety of cards might make possible for me. My creativity kicked in, and I quickly analyzed which cards I could play in sequence. But perhaps more importantly, I broadened my perspective and became more aware of the joy we were sharing together. How wonderful it is to be able to share this moment. Sometimes, the opportunity is simply to become aware of what is already happening in the same moment.

When I later encountered Transformational Presence in 2012, I discovered the deeper layers of this question and this approach to life. It’s about learning to trust life itself—knowing with certainty that the ‘opportunity’ is always present. And because you have that unwavering trust, it becomes easier to look for it. Life has your best interest at heart and continuously offers you situations to develop aspects of yourself further.

Of course, adopting this mindset doesn’t happen automatically. Transformational Presence offered me many practical exercises. I learned to develop my ability to step back, pause, and slow down in the moment. I learned, step by step, to strengthen my ability to gather information through channels other than just my head. This allowed me to partner with life rather than resist what is.

The Transformational Presence approach unlocks potential. By embracing this approach, you strengthen your ability to see and sense potential.

Play with this one question a few times this coming week: “What’s the opportunity that this is?” and see what it brings you.

Wishing you a wonderful week!