While watching a competitive 5.0 level tennis match—a rank that places players in the top 1%—I was struck by a realization about the fleeting nature of our opportunities. Between 2015 and 2021, I participated in numerous matches, losing 69.3% of them. Despite my losses, the USTA’s algorithm kept me at the 5.0 level, effectively trapping me in a competitive limbo. Now, at 47, I no longer possess the physical capability to compete at this high level due to a decrease in shoulder strength and poorer vision in low light.
Reflecting on my tennis journey, which spanned from 2009 to 2021, I realize that my prime competitive years were even shorter than they seemed. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 wiped out a year of play, further shortening my window of opportunity. This has led me to consider other areas in life where the opportunity window might be narrower than it appears.
For instance, I spent three years coaching high school tennis, building a strong connection with the athletic director, who also headed the tennis program. I thought this connection might benefit my children when it was time for their school applications. However, the director retired in 2023, diminishing the influence of his potential recommendation by the time my son applies for school.
Similarly, I’ve encountered significant challenges in my career as a writer. Around 2021, prolonged screen time began to severely strain my eyes, limiting my ability to maintain productivity. Despite having a prolific run, publishing extensively on my blog and completing two books, I realized my days of intense writing might be numbered.
Another profound realization hit me during our attempts to start a family. The fertility challenges we faced underscored the harsh truth about biological limits and the ideal timelines for having children.
The pursuit of homeownership also presented its challenges. The dream home remains elusive for many due to financial constraints or life circumstances, and even when achieved, the ideal period to enjoy this home can be unexpectedly short.
The time spent with our children is similarly fleeting. As a parent, I’ve learned that childhood flies by, with a significant portion of parenting concluding by the time kids reach adulthood. Balancing work and family life can restrict the already limited time parents have to make lasting memories with their children.
Starting Financial Samurai in 2009, I invested countless early mornings and late nights into building the site while maintaining a demanding job in banking. This endeavor required a significant time commitment, which I could manage then but would find impossible now, especially with family responsibilities.
Each of these experiences has taught me valuable lessons about the transient nature of opportunities. They remind me to seize the moment, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing passions, or taking risks on new ventures. Our time is limited, and the windows of opportunity are often much smaller than we anticipate.
