You must have noticed people who look like life’s choicest blessings are at their feet. The ones who taste success wherever they go. They look like a failure and disappointment have never touched them. Well, as they say, appearances are deceptive! One quality common among such people is that they know how to identify and create their own opportunities in life.
The truth is that we are all presented with opportunities in life. The difference is that we don’t recognize them for what they are. Some of us look at opportunities as difficulties and threats and try to sidestep them. Some others grab them and get going!
There is no hidden secret for success. It is plain and clear for all to see. Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Or better still, create your own opportunities. How? Well, here are some mantras that people who grab the opportunity before they follow.
1. Differentiation is necessary for appreciation
There are over seven billion people in the world. Naturally, it is difficult to come up with either a product or service that has not been envisioned or implemented already. Even so, it is possible to offer that little extra something that will make people remember you.
Differentiation is the name of the game. You will find opportunities present themselves when you present your unique offering. Work to build your niche. Once you deliver, it will open doors and you can take the opportunity to grow.
2. Follow your plan not your fear
Do you sit on opportunities allowing yourself to be plagued by doubts and second-guesses? Do you lack the confidence to follow through and take the opportunity once you spot it? If you do, you are not the first, nor will you be the last. Somehow, we trust the doubt more than we trust ourselves. Just don’t encourage the thought.
Instead, make a plan. And focus on executing it. This will ensure that you act rather than worrying about the consequences. You find that one small act leads to another, and another, till it snowballs into something formidable. Opportunities also multiply alongside. More and more doors open for you when you venture out and explore. So, put your fears aside and act!
3. Be aware & beware
Knowledge is power. It always helps to be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Value your skill sets and take the opportunity to develop them. For instance, if you want a promotion, a good time would be to apply when you know someone is quitting or relocating elsewhere. You should look for chances to showcase your skills at such times.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
At the same time, you must also beware of looking at every opening as an opportunity without discretion. It is possible that some roads lead to dead-ends. Have some foresight and weigh the costs and benefits before you throw your hat in the ring.
4. Carpe diem – Seize the day!
One of my friends is a banker by profession and a photographer by passion. On a recent trek, he won the ‘Best Photographer award’. Given a chance to forward his passion, he didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity. This despite being self-trained and competing against more experienced shutterbugs.
The lesson in it is that you cannot always predict when and how an opportunity appears before you. Just be prepared at all times to seize the day! So, keep your eyes and mind open to taking chances and exploring. It might not always come in the package that you are used to expecting it in.
5. Increase connections with people rather than cards from them
If you look at the average person’s social media account, you will find an extraordinary number of ‘friends’ listed. So, it is possible that there is no dearth of contacts in your profile. The real question is ‘How much of a connection do you share with these contacts?’
The great philosopher Aristotle said it ages ago, “He who has many friends has no friends.” You don’t need business cards but useful links and connections with at least a few. If you share and exchange information with people, you will form a bond with them. This will help you come up with ideas to create your own opportunities. Thinking for each other will open the gates for more and more opportunities to flow your way.
Otherwise, you will end up saying what I once heard, “Networking is just not working!”
Quick tips to help create opportunities in your life
- Be accessible to people. Don’t wear a ‘not available’ and ‘not interested’ signal.
- Do volunteer work. It helps you see the world through other people’s eyes and helps you connect with people.
- Be prepared to take risks. The magnitude of reward is directly proportional to the risk. No pain, no gain!
- Be flexible in your approach. It will help you recognize opportunities and tweak it to suit your needs.
So, the next time you look at those people always in the limelight for some extraordinary feat, don’t just say “Lucky!” Appreciate them, observe their habits, grab the opportunity in front of you and learn how to create some yourself.
The Art of Living’s Happiness program, is the perfect blend of yoga asanas, meditation and breathing exercises like the Sudarshan Kriya. The experience helps you discover your creative, positive and energetic side. In this frame of mind, you will find taking and creating opportunities a natural part of your daily life!
