Most of us have had turning points where the failure of losing a job, a loved one or our health opened the door to a great opportunity.
 

Although it doesn't feel that way at the time it happens, failures teach us our greatest lessons and we can parlay them to achieving great success. In light of the recent events at the Boston Marathon, I wanted to share this story. 

In my book, Pathfinding, Seven Principles for Positive Living, my father tells this story that was handed down to him. It speaks to  transforming obstacles into opportunities.

Here it is:
One day the owner of the building tells his caretaker that he must go out of town for a day, but that he expects a most important letter. He informs the caretaker that he must make sure he gets the registered letter himself because it is a very important letter.

The owner leaves the next morning. That afternoon the letter is delivered, but requires a signature. The caretaker tells the postman that he doesn't know how to write. The postman explains that he must obtain an actual signature, no marks or X's. Since the caretaker can't write, the postman refuses to leave the letter.

When the owner returns and learns what happened, he becomes furious and fires the caretaker on the spot. The caretaker finds himself without a job and without an income.

To support his meager existence, he starts peddling whatever goods and services he can to survive. His business begins to grow and improves to the point that he is able to open a little store.

By the time his sons are old enough to help him, he has become well established. The sons inherit the business when the caretaker retires and decide to build a larger store. They ask their father to help them borrow the money to finance their ambitious undertaking.

The father asks the banker for the loan and the banker says, "No problem. You can have whatever you need. Just sign on the dotted line."The caretaker looks at the banker and replies, "I can't sign. I never learned how to write." In astonishment, the banker asks, "How is it possible that a man who can't write could amass the wealth that you have?"
"Ah," says the caretaker, "If I could write, I'd still be a caretaker."

So many of the experts and authors I have interviewed have overcome circumstances in their own lives that have led them to their passion, cause, work and often writing a book.

On my Positive Business radio show, I interviewed Kevin O'Leary from ABC's Shark Tank and I remember him talking about how the television opportunity came to him shortly after great business upheavel and loss.

Candy Lightner founded MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving) in 1980 after her daughter Cari, was killed by a repeat drunk driving offender. MADD has evolved into one of the most widely supported and well-liked non-profit organizations in America.

We all have challenges, some bigger than others. We can all learn and grow and go on to do great things. It takes courage, belief, support, and grace. A perfect example is Adrianne Haslet-Davis, a professional ballroom dancing instructor who lost her foot during the Boston Marathon bombings. 'Dancing with the Stars' has extended an invitation to Adrianne. That's a real obstacle into a real opportunity.