Convert adversity into OPPORTUNITY!

A certain amount of opposition is of great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with the wind - John Neal.

Adversity or difficult times are often feared, dreaded; the mere mention of it gets people worried. We're most comfortable when things happen as per OUR plan, coz we think we know what's best for us. May not be the truth always.

Adversity needn't be that phobia inducing circumstance, if you change the lens you view it with.

How many times haven't we turned back to look at adversity, our difficult times (yes, and all of us have been through them) and thought that definitely has taught something. I'm better off today since I went through that period of adversity.

We've also heard of inspiring stories: JK Rowling lived on welfare with a dependent child before creating the Harry Potter franchise. Before founding  Walmart, Sam Walton milked cows and sold newspaper subscriptions. Henry Ford was broke 5 times before he started Ford Motor Company. We would never have heard of 'Honda', if Soichiro Honda had got the job he wanted, of an engineer at Toyota. And remember, India wouldn't be a free nation, if Mahatma Gandhi thought it is difficult to convince half a billion Indians then, to fight for independence, but through non-violence in the face of severe oppression.

So, if and when, you're going through rough waters, look at what is going on FROM A DISTANCE. Take yourself out of the picture. See what you can do about it, what you can learn from it. And more importantly, Opportunity often comes disguised as Adversity. Look deep & look hard to find yours.

Adversity is like waves in the sea and need to be taken in the same spirit, like a surfer doesn't worry about them and uses them to keep surfing, to go higher, farther, faster.

Adversity is the gift that's not packed properly, but what's in it is invaluable. OPPORTUNITY!

Why not co-own? Co-Ownership is Shared Ownership!

Co-ownership or shared ownership of assets is not a new idea at all! Infact co-consumption of services is also practised within friend and family networks. Co-ownership or shared ownership clearly has value and its place and here's an invitation to look at what it means to you.

How many times haven't we bought things that we don't use optimally (not counting the ones we sell disappointedly) or just wouldn't need regularly? If you're saying Yes, the answer is too many times and if you're saying 'Maybe', the answer is still, too many times (to remember).

So, why not co-own or co-consume the things which we'd like having, but not that regularly. Fancy having a farm house, but scared of the rocketing prices OR dream of driving around in a SUV, but concerned that it won't help you drive through the traffic on city roads everyday? Well, consider co-ownership or shared ownership for a minute (If you're possessive of the thing you're going to buy OR use it too frequently to be able to share usage, co-ownership or shared ownership may not just work though).

You not only split the price of possessing one, but also the cost of running (maintenance) it. Now that is Cost Divided and Joy Multiplied!

With HOW MANY would you share ownership and WHO exactly, are perhaps the next questions to figure.

Now, let's see: A good set of questions to ask are:
1. Will I be able to share usage? Will I be able to better utilize or have more fun when I share ownership? Does it help me get closer to my aspirations if I co-own/ share ownership? Could I invest together with others?
2. How frequently do I need this and how many people can I share this with?
3. What is the value of co-ownership/ shared ownership in terms of cost?
4. Who amongst my friends or family would be interested to share this with me? Can I check with colleagues or neighbours also?

As long as there are reasons to pursue shared ownership, there is a platform: WeOwn.in (www.weown.in), to help you deal with questions like "how do I check with people if they're interested too"; "who will do the paperwork" OR just "how will we track expenses or issues". They simplify the entire process, hand hold you through the process and even help you negotiate prices. The best part is, it won't cost you anything.

So, whatever it is that you're buying next - a car, home, going on a vacation or just about anything, create a post on www.weown.in and join others who're now comfortable with co-ownership and shared ownership. Co-ownership or shared ownership could just be the smarter path to your goals!