How Do You Know When Opportunity is Knocking?
“Opportunities do not come with their values stamped upon them.” ~ Malbie Babcock
In your search for life changes and growth, are you overlooking some obvious resources and opportunities? Are you reject possibilities because you feel that it’s not exactly what you desire? The key words here are overlooking and rejecting.
A common mistake people make is sticking in a rut of what they know. It is difficult to change this pattern when you’ve been doing the same thing for along time. I know many clients who are thinking of opening their own business look at their experience and believe that they only know how to do one type of job. This causes people keep looking under the same ‘rocks’ and thus miss possible opportunities.
Another slip up, is to immediately reject something because it does not meet every parameter, exactly as you had hoped. As an example, when a new venue or path is suggested, the response is: “Oh I can’t do that! I’ve never done that before!” This immediate rejection is usually based in fear. Unless you have done some research and truly understand what the undertaking entails, then weight this information against your talents and ability to adapt, then it is an irrational response. Always do your research before making a decision.
Here are some ideas to help open doors of opportunity you may not have considered: Be curious. Enjoy exploration and learn to ask questions. Asking is the best way to find answers that you can evaluate and really get a clear picture of what would and wound not work for you.
Read things from old resources. People often look for the latest information. There is a wealth of knowledge and information in older resources and may older e-books can be downloaded for free.
Meet people outside your field. Birds of a feather do flock together, but that doesn’t help you to expand. Expand your social and business network for immediate new opportunities and gain a fresh perspective. You may find that you could be in greater demand in this new arena.
Be observant. This is the key to innovation. Much can be learned by observing people in the world around you. I can also guarantee you will be highly entertained! The idea here is to boost your chances of finding opportunities and prospects by listening to what others say and what they do.
Don’t lock yourself into the trap of thinking small. Be aware to view things a little differently, get input and feedback from others to help you do so, and remember, no transition in life or business has to be permanent, or all or nothing. You can always adjust and get a better fit. Create your own breaks by connecting with others and being flexible.
Lesley V. Ingves
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