Courage and Confidence

When Opportunities Feel Like Hard Work

Lee Iggulden and Michelle Rogers Season 3 Episode 4

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Courage and Confidence Podcast – Season 3, Episode 4: "When Opportunities Feel Like Hard Work"


What if the opportunity that could change everything is right in front of you — but you can't see it because it looks too much like hard work? In this thought-provoking episode, Lee and Michelle explore one of the most quietly powerful ideas they've tackled yet, inspired by a quote from Thomas Edison: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and it looks like work."


The conversation takes a brilliantly unexpected turn when Michelle reveals that Lee has no idea what they're going to talk about — making for some wonderfully honest, unguarded moments as Lee works through the ideas in real time, including a few genuine lightbulb moments of her own.


Together they unpick why we so often miss, dismiss, or talk ourselves out of opportunities — and what we can do about it:

  • Why "overnight success" is a myth — from Thomas Edison's 10,000 failed experiments to Messi's 17 years of preparation for his "breakthrough" moment
  • The iceberg effect — we only ever see other people's highlights, never the hard work beneath the surface
  • How limiting beliefs act as a filter — quietly screening out opportunities before we've even consciously considered them
  • The difference between opportunities we grab and ones we don't — and what that reveals about our fears and self-belief
  • Why the work involved isn't always physical — sometimes it's mental, emotional, or simply a matter of getting your head around an idea
  • The power of the pause — before you say no to something, ask yourself: is this actually an opportunity in disguise?


Michelle's challenge to listeners is simple but powerful: think of something you've been putting off. What are you actually waiting for? And what might happen if you just did the work?


A genuinely eye-opening episode that will have you looking at the situations in your own life with fresh eyes.


🎧 Listen now — and start spotting the opportunities you've been walking past.

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