Have you ever noticed that when you are not actively looking for something, it seems to elude you, but the moment you start paying attention, it suddenly appears everywhere? This phenomenon can be best explained by what I like to call the “Red Car Theory.” It is a simple idea that teaches us a valuable lesson about life: opportunities are all around us, but we won’t see them until we actively seek them out.
To understand the Red Car Theory, let’s start with a simple experiment. If I ask you this question: “How many red cars have you noticed today?” I am sure you and most people might respond by saying, “I don’t remember seeing any.” Now, if I ask you the same question and this time add, that for every red car you see, I will give you a monetary reward. I am sure you will leave my presence to actively focus on finding red cars. You’ll soon realize that they are everywhere, seemingly appearing out of thin air.
This experiment illustrates a fundamental truth about human perception and the way we interact with the world around us. Heightened awareness leads to a selective focus of our attention. When we are not consciously looking for something, our brains filter out most of the information bombarding our senses. This filtering mechanism helps us focus on what’s most important and relevant at the moment. However, it also means that we often miss out on opportunities and experiences that are right in front of us.
The Red Car Theory isn’t just about noticing red cars; it is a metaphor for the broader concept of recognizing opportunities in life. Just like red cars, opportunities are abundant and diverse, but they often go unnoticed until we intentionally seek them. I believe if you actively seek out new career opportunities that pay better, you will find it. If you actively seek creative business ideas with a curious and open mind, you will figure something out. If you intentionally look for ways to spend less and earn more, you will find them. If you actively seek knowledge on how to start investing your money so it can exponentially grow, you will find it.
As we wrap up the year 2023, I encourage you to harness the power of the Red Car Theory by cultivating a mindset that actively seeks out opportunities. Set clear goals, stay curious, network and connect, continue to learn, and embrace change. Opportunities are like red cars – they are all around us, but we often overlook them. By actively seeking out opportunities and cultivating a mindset of curiosity and openness, we can unlock the potential for growth, success, and fulfillment in our finances and every other area of life.
The next time you find yourself wondering about missed opportunities, remember that they might be hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to actively seek them out!
About Nike
Oyenike Adetoye (aka Nike) is an impactful speaker, author and personal finance expert. A Chartered Management Accountant by profession. Nike is the founder and CEO of LifTED Finance, a private financial firm that educates, coaches and supports people on their journey through financial fitness and wealth management.