How to Stop Missing Opportunities: Seeing The Gorilla In The Room

When we’re laser-focused on one task—counting basketball passes, for example—big, unexpected opportunities (or gorillas) can pass right by us, unnoticed.

The famous Selective Attention Test by Daniel Simons always sticks at the back of my mind because it’s a perfect metaphor for life and business.

How many “gorillas” walk through our professional lives every day, unseen, because we’re too focused on what’s directly in front of us?

(If you haven't seen it, check it out below ??)

As entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals, it’s easy to miss these opportunities. Deadlines loom, metrics demand attention, and the day-to-day grind narrows our focus. But if we want to build extraordinary careers, teams, and businesses, we need to step back, widen our perspective, and learn to notice the unexpected.

Here’s what I’ve learned about opening our eyes to seize opportunities and allow for serendipity:

1?? Know Your North Star

When you’re clear on your ultimate goals—your “why”—you create a filter for spotting opportunities that align with your vision.

Without a clear purpose, even the best opportunities can become distractions.

?? Have you set your North Star for 2025? If not, take five minutes to set one today (I'd love to hear what you come up with).

2?? Connect Authentically

Opportunities often come through people. The more you share your truth and engage authentically, the more likely serendipity will find you.

For me, reconnecting with a colleague at an AI event in Miami led to co-founding an entire venture. But it didn’t happen by accident—it came from showing up, sharing my vision, and listening deeply.

3?? Observe While You Participate

Leadership requires action, but it also requires awareness. It’s not enough to be in the room; you need to pay attention to what’s happening in the room.

This year, I’ve been intentional about stepping out of my usual circles and into new experiences. From meeting an opera composer to chatting with digital nomads, these moments expanded my perspective and sparked unexpected ideas.

Where can you go in 2025 that you’ve never been before?

4?? Reflect Regularly

Growth doesn’t happen in real time; it happens in reflection.

Set time after your meetings to ask yourself:

• What went well?
• What surprised me?
• What opportunities did I miss—and why?

Reflection helps you recalibrate and stay open to new possibilities.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Serendipity

The future belongs to those who can see what others overlook. Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a startup, or pursuing personal growth, your ability to notice and seize opportunities will shape your success.

So, as you head into 2025, take a step back. Widen your perspective. Look for the “gorillas.”

Because the best opportunities aren’t always obvious—but they’re always out there.

Action Steps for 2025

1?? Define your North Star.

2?? Say yes to one new experience every month.

3?? Schedule regular reflection time (even just 10 minutes a week).

Let’s make 2025 the year of spotting and seizing opportunities together.

?? What’s the most surprising opportunity you’ve seized in your career? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it!

– Vlada

Sending you off with this thought...

The path to success isn’t always about working harder—it’s about seeing clearer. Opportunities aren’t rare; they’re everywhere. But noticing them requires stepping back, reflecting, and staying open to the unexpected.

This year, let’s focus on sharpening our vision by aligning with our North Star, building meaningful connections, and giving ourselves the space to observe and reflect.

As you move into 2025, remember: the best opportunities aren’t always the loudest or the most obvious. They’re the ones waiting for you to notice, connect, and act.

If you’re ready to step back, widen your perspective, and create your next big moment, let’s connect.

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