Pondering: Opportunity — What are you waiting for?

Definition of OPPORTUNITY

: a favorable juncture of circumstances

: a good chance for advancement or progress

This is how Merriam-Webster defines opportunity. How do you define it? Better yet, what do you do when an opportunity presents itself? Many opportunities require snap decisions and others require some sort of change on your part to make it happen.

Are you prepared for YOUR next opportunity?

“We often miss opportunity because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work”
― Thomas A. Edison

Be prepared to roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty. This is life — and it isn't always easy or pretty. There are very few people in this world who don't have to work hard every single day to make things happen in their life. Many times people look at others and say “they are so lucky!” One person I worked with in my last job said this to me all the time however; I was one of the first people to arrive at the office and always the last to leave. I had a very complicated job that I loved which required extreme attention to detail as well as many tasks with strict government deadlines. My “luck” was the responsibility I feel to myself to work hard and really kick butt.

Did I get noticed by management? Yes, my own hard work created the opportunity. I also had perfect reviews and great salary increases. More luck? Nope.

“I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it”

― Thomas Jefferson

Being afraid of a new challenge or circumstance is what stops many people from stepping forward or saying yes. If you want something SAY YES! Say that you are interested. Don't wait for someone to come to you and spell it all out. Make your own opportunity by accepting responsibility or helping someone with a task on a job that you are interested in. No social media person in your company, maybe there could be if you came up with a plan, talked to your boss and expressed interest!

“Shallow men believe in luck or in circumstance. Strong men believe in cause and effect.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Create the action that will give you the reaction that you desire. Many people have regrets for missed opportunities that someone else grabbed. Don't let this be you.

Be the one to knock on the door!

Is there something in your life that you are missing or want? What action can you start to create your opportunity? Any regrets for missed opportunities or situations that you wish you acted on sooner? Please share with me.

Featured image courtesy of Steve-h – away until Jan 10 via Creative Commons.
Article by Peg Fitzpatrick