People have more opportunities than they've ever been aware of.
Every experience, every hardship, every dysfunctional moment in life gives birth to new opportunities.
In that awareness lies the difference between those who thrive and get through hardships with ease and those who get stuck by crappy life experiences.
Endless? Yup. Endless. Opportunity is everywhere. The opportunity to experience something new, earn more money, be happier. You’re presented with them every day; often appearing when you least expect it.
Unfortunately though, opportunities don’t last forever. It’s one of those moments where you have to be swift for the taking. If you hesitate, it can be gone in the blink of an eye.
While some view opportunities as bleak and limited, others are raking them in like dollar bills in a 60 second cash grab booth. Cha-Ching!
Looking for opportunities in all the wrong places? Here are a few hidden-gems that may surprise you.
There’s opportunity in your yes.
When someone asks you to join them for a night out, a company picnic, a networking event, to meet up for drinks, or even just to take a walk, saying no may be limiting you.
To come face-to-face with opportunities you’ve got to get yourself out there.
Meet people.
Explore new places.
Do different things.
Say Yes!
One yes leads to the next opportunity and the next.
There’s opportunity in your hardship.
Opportunity has a lot to do with luck and perfect timing, but it also has to do with perspective.
That crappy moment, annoying situation, unforeseen crisis, or frustrating hardship you experienced is the perfect catalyst for new opportunities.
They’re opportunities to learn something new, make positive changes in your life, take advantage of a fresh start and new beginning, or clear your life of negative BS so that new & improved stuff can come in.
Something you consider a hardship now, could be just the thing you needed to turn your life around. Most bestselling books and inventions emerged from crisis.
Your crappy circumstance could be the breakthrough that leads you to teach, motivate, and inspire others.
As I look back at the days I was sleeping in my car, keeping the engine running to stay warm, I would have never thought it was leading me on a path to becoming a coach.
You might not see yourself as a teacher, inspirational guide, or life coach, but you too can turn obstacles on their heads by shifting your perspective.
You can use what others see as roadblocks, as fuel for your inevitable success.
There’s opportunity in deliberate action.
I’m a big fan of the bow and arrow. I’m also a Sagittarius; the archer, go figure.
When I think of opportunity, I imagine fixing my eyes on my target, very confidently taking my stance, pulling back the arrow in the bow towards my face, feeling the tension, taking aim, releasing, and hitting my target. It’s deliberate play in action.
Be a deliberate opportunist.
There’s no shame in being an opportunist (the good kind). If you’re looking to try something new, look in the most likely places you’ll be introduced to new things.
Go where you’ve never gone.
Turn over every rock.
Ask people to share with you the: who, what, when and where of your heart’s desire.
You’ll be surprised how many people will gladly share information with you when you’re upfront and open about what you want to experience.
Shhh. Pay attention please.
If an opportunity presents itself, a new job or promotion; a business deal; an important network connection; an invitation, are you ready?
Individuals miss great opportunities because they’re not paying attention or they can’t see past their current situation.
“Go on honey. Take a chance.”
That’s a one liner from the subway scene of Coming to America when Prince Akeem told Lisa he would denounce his throne in her honor.
To achieve anything in life you have to be willing to take a chance; accept opportunities that will help you see more, do more, and be more.
I’ve driven across country three times for opportunities that were un-pass-up-able. Not only did I enjoy the new ventures, I had a blast getting there.
Be a deliberate creator.
Although there’s no shortage of opportunities, you’re not just subject to luck and chance. If what you want is not out there, create it!
Whether you want to create your next big business opportunity or begin a new life quest, you have absolutely no excuse for not getting what you want.
Step 1: The first step in being a deliberate creator is to set your intention.
What do you want your end result to be and why?
For example, I was unable to find a job that gave me the freedom and flexibility I was seeking. Many came close. I enjoyed several jobs throughout my career where I created my own schedule, worked from home, and had minimal supervision, but I was still not satisfied.
My intention was to experience a work-style that seamlessly merged with my lifestyle. I wanted to do away with the typical work-week, work from anywhere, enjoy using my natural talents, and help people in the process.
That is why I became a lifestyle entrepreneur.
Step 2: Next, do away with self-doubt.
Doubt is one ugly son-of-a-witch.
It’s that persuasive voice inside your head that holds you back. That’s your monkey mind (Google it). It makes getting started or finishing harder than it has to be.
Your ability to create an opportunity for yourself does not rely upon your statics. Don’t let your social class, education level, race, gender, or age stand in your way. Period.
You are the creator. Trust yourself. Believe in your creativity. Take a no excuses approach. Put your focus on where you see yourself, not where you are now. Put yourself first.
“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” -William Shakespeare
Step 3: Lastly, align yourself with the opportunity you want to create. Notice what makes people lives easier, processes faster, and life more meaningful. Get involved with the people and activities that bring you closer to your ideal lifestyle.
Let’s sum it all up. Here are my tips for grabbing opportunity by the horns:
Keep your eyes open
Always be curious
Stay ready
Be decisive
Take risks
Don’t hesitate
Meet more people
Step out of your comfort zone
Say yes!
Remain open
Ditch doubt
Ask
Use these tips to accept, find or create opportunities that align with who you are and fits your desired lifestyle. Enjoy the process and remain optimistic. Opportunities are endless!
The biggest opportunity in life is the opportunity to be ‘happy’.
Until next time,
Cheers!!
Wanauma Graham
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wanauma Graham is the founder of BossFreeMedia.com, a hub for self-development content for women entrepreneurs. Wanauma’s books include Totally Unstoppable, Her Mark and a collection of journals and planners.