How to find Opportunity - Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba

Learn From Leaders

8 Sept 201601:36

Summary

TLDRIn this transcript, the speaker reflects on how success is achieved by those who stay optimistic, even in difficult situations. They mention meeting influential figures like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Mark Zuckerberg, noting that what sets these people apart is their problem-solving mindset and ability to find opportunities where others complain. The key takeaway is that opportunities lie in solving others' problems, and the speaker encourages shifting from a complaining mindset to one of action, as they did in their own journey to success.

Takeaways

😀 People often ask how others become successful and why they themselves can't find opportunities.
🤔 Some people feel frustrated about not having a job or being in debt, wondering why they didn't get the same chances as others.
💼 The speaker reflects on how, 20 years ago, they resented successful figures like Bill Gates, feeling like they took all the jobs.
😌 Over time, the speaker learned to calm down and accept their own path to success.
🌟 The speaker is fortunate to know many successful people like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg.
🤩 A key difference between successful people and others is their optimism about the future.
🚫 Successful people don't complain but instead focus on solving other people's problems.
🔍 Opportunities often lie in areas where people complain—solving these complaints creates new opportunities.
💡 The speaker emphasizes that finding and solving complaints is what led to their success.
📈 Optimism, problem-solving, and a positive attitude are key traits shared by the successful individuals the speaker knows.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main message in this transcript?
-The speaker emphasizes that opportunities lie where people complain. Instead of complaining about problems, successful people focus on solving them, which creates opportunities.
How does the speaker describe successful people like Bill Gates and Larry Page?
-The speaker describes successful people as being optimistic about the future, not complaining, and always trying to solve problems for others.
Why does the speaker mention people like Bill Gates, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg?
-The speaker mentions these successful figures to highlight that their success comes from their optimism and problem-solving mindset, not from complaining about missed opportunities.
What advice does the speaker give regarding how to find opportunities?
-The speaker advises that opportunities are found where people complain. Instead of joining in the complaints, one should think about how to solve those problems, as this is where opportunities emerge.
What does the speaker mean when they say 'the opportunity always lies in the place where people complain'?
-The speaker means that when people complain about problems, it reveals unmet needs or inefficiencies. If someone can solve those problems, they can create valuable opportunities for themselves.
How does the speaker reflect on their past feelings toward Bill Gates?
-The speaker admits that they used to dislike Bill Gates, feeling that he took all the jobs. However, they later realized that their resentment was misplaced, and they calmed down over time, eventually learning from Gates' approach to opportunity.
What personal realization did the speaker have regarding their attitude towards successful people?
-The speaker realized that instead of envying or resenting successful people, it is better to learn from their mindset—particularly their focus on optimism and problem-solving.
What qualities does the speaker attribute to success?
-The speaker attributes success to qualities like optimism, problem-solving, and focusing on helping others rather than complaining about personal difficulties.
How does the speaker's perspective on opportunity differ from a common attitude toward challenges?
-While many people may see challenges as reasons to complain, the speaker believes that challenges present opportunities for those who can find solutions to the complaints.
What lesson does the speaker share about their interactions with famous, successful people?
-The speaker shares that the most notable difference between successful people and others is their optimism and focus on solving problems, rather than complaining about the challenges they face.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Finding Opportunity Through Problem Solving

The speaker reflects on how people often question why they can't have success or fun like others, especially when facing difficulties such as joblessness or lack of opportunities. He shares how he used to feel envious of successful people like Bill Gates and Larry Page, thinking they had taken all the chances. However, after meeting many successful individuals like Gates, Warren Buffet, Jack Welch, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg, the speaker realized that these people are always optimistic and focus on solving problems rather than complaining. He highlights that opportunities always lie where people complain and suggests that solving those complaints can lead to success. This mindset is what led to his own achievements.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Opportunity

An opportunity refers to a situation or condition that offers the possibility of progress or success. In the video, the speaker emphasizes that opportunities are often found where people are complaining or struggling. Instead of focusing on problems, the speaker suggests that solving these problems can create new opportunities, a concept central to the theme of entrepreneurship and resilience.

💡Optimism

Optimism is the mindset of having a positive outlook on the future and expecting good outcomes. The speaker highlights that successful people like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg share a common trait: they remain optimistic despite challenges. This attitude is presented as a key factor in achieving success, contrasting with those who dwell on complaints and negativity.

💡Complaints

Complaints are expressions of dissatisfaction or frustration. In the video, the speaker argues that while many people focus on complaining about their circumstances, successful individuals view these complaints as opportunities to find solutions. The speaker uses this to illustrate how a shift in perspective can turn problems into chances for innovation and success.

💡Success

Success is defined as the accomplishment of a goal or the attainment of prosperity. The speaker references well-known figures like Bill Gates and Larry Page as examples of individuals who achieved great success through their problem-solving skills and forward-thinking. The message suggests that success comes from optimism and the ability to see opportunities in challenges.

💡Problem-solving

Problem-solving is the process of finding solutions to difficulties or challenges. The speaker emphasizes that successful people focus on solving the problems of others, which often leads to creating opportunities for themselves. This concept is crucial to the video’s theme, as it highlights the importance of action and creativity in addressing issues instead of complaining.

💡Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship involves taking initiative and risk to create and manage a business or venture. The speaker, by sharing his experience, underscores how entrepreneurs like himself, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg built their success by identifying opportunities where others saw problems. Entrepreneurship is framed as being closely tied to optimism and problem-solving.

💡Bill Gates

Bill Gates is used as an example of a successful person who created opportunities through his innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. The speaker recalls feeling frustrated by Gates' success but later realizes that his achievements were due to his optimistic approach and willingness to solve problems. Gates represents the model of how success is built on identifying opportunities in challenges.

💡Future

The future, in this context, represents the unknown possibilities and potential that lie ahead. The speaker encourages focusing on the future with optimism, as successful people do, rather than being bogged down by current challenges or complaints. The future is portrayed as a space where solutions and opportunities await those who are willing to pursue them.

💡Famous People

The speaker mentions famous individuals like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg to illustrate that success comes from having the right mindset. These individuals are portrayed as always looking for solutions and opportunities, setting an example for others to follow. Their fame is tied to their accomplishments and their optimistic, problem-solving approach to life.

💡Resilience

Resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks or adversity. While not explicitly mentioned in the script, the concept is implied through the speaker’s personal experience and the examples of successful individuals. Resilience is a key trait for success, as it involves pushing forward despite challenges and using problems as opportunities to grow and succeed.

Highlights

People often ask why they can't have fun or find opportunities.

Opportunities are always present; you just have to find them.

People frequently feel like they lack a job or a sense of direction.

The speaker used to feel the same way and even resented successful people like Bill Gates.

The speaker once thought Bill Gates and other successful people took all the jobs.

However, those successful individuals like Gates, Larry Page, and others have a different mindset.

The difference between successful people and others is that they remain optimistic about the future.

Successful people don't complain; instead, they focus on solving problems.

Opportunities lie in the places where people complain the most.

When people sit and complain, that's the perfect moment to think about solving that complaint.

The speaker emphasizes that solving others' complaints is where opportunity exists.

The speaker learned this lesson after meeting many successful individuals like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Mark Zuckerberg.

The key to success is remaining optimistic and proactive rather than reactive and critical.

The speaker's personal experience and encounters with famous people helped shape this perspective.

Finding opportunities in complaints is what led the speaker to success.