Have you ever seen those posts on social media that state, “today, I’m going to get a full-time job,” or, “I’m going to make lots of money?” In theory, those posts are great, but the problem is people don’t do something to get that job – like fill out out the application. Or, they say they are going to make money, but they’re not doing anything to accomplish this goal. We all want opportunities, but when opportunities present themselves are we prepared for these them? 

It’s vital for each one of us to develop our specific skill set. Review your skill today, how different is it from a year ago? What’s changed? What have you’ve done to develop and grow? How do you continually practice and hone your skills, so when another opportunity presents, it’s easy for you to walk through that door?

There’s nothing more frustrating than when an opportunity arises, and you think, if only I had made the right preparations, I would be prepared for this new job. Not being prepared leads to feelings of discouragement and disappointment. However, when you are continually growing and developing when those opportunities arise, and they will arise, you are prepared for them.

If I were to say, “Today you’re going to meet five people who are going to change your life.” You would look for those people all throughout the day. Or, if I said, “You’re going to receive the opportunity that is going to launch you into your purpose,” you’d be looking everywhere for that opportunity; nothing would distract you.

The truth is, you don’t need me to tell you that you are going to meet someone today.  You don’t need someone to tell you, today could be the opportunity that launches you into your purpose, this is something you must do for yourself. When you look for opportunities, opportunities chase you down.

It’s vital for each of us to realize that every moment is an opportunity to grow and develop. One way to do this is to ask yourself, “What am I learning about myself right now?” That’s a compelling question. For example, you may suddenly realize that you’re judgmental, and you didn’t know it. Perhaps you’re not demonstrating patience, and that’s an attribute you need to learn. Or, maybe I”m not paying attention to people when they’re speaking to me. 

When you can ask yourself, ‘What am I learning about myself,’ It helps you develop your personality traits. It enables you to improve specific attributes that allow you to prepare for new and exciting opportunities. For example, the more often you are aware of your surroundings, the more you will randomly start a conversation with a stranger, or sit next to them on the airplane and say hello. These innocent exchanges create life-changing opportunities.

If you earnestly look for opportunities, you will find them.

Did you know that how you start your day is indicative of how your day unfolds? Start your day declaring that opportunities are going to chase you down, that you have favor in your life, and that when people meet you, they want to be good to you. These types of declarations cause you to seek out new and viable connections. Unsurprisingly, opportunities are drawn to you. However, if you wait for opportunities to seek you out, or you aren’t actively asking yourself what are you learning about yourself, then when opportunities do arise, you’re not going to see them.

We all have a responsibility to be true to self. When we focus on what we don’t have, or we get focused on other people, we don’t realize that we have an incredible opportunity, in each moment, to grow and develop. With growth and development comes awareness. Awareness allows you to see opportunities that are all around you. As you seize these opportunities, more surround you, and pretty soon, they launch you into your purpose.

Remember, you too create opportunities for others. What are you saying to encourage others or doing to provide them with opportunities? It’s not just about you. It’s about everyone working together to help each other grow. If you have contacts that could help a friend, introduce them. As you continue to help people reach their goals, you both will reach your goals together.  

James Miller is a licensed psychotherapist and the executive producer and host of the nationally broadcasted and syndicated radio show James Miller | LIFEOLOGY®. For more information about James visit JamesMillerLIFEOLOGY®.com or LIFEOLOGY.tv.

This article is related to the episode Upgrading your strengths | Rock Thomas.

#opportunities #serendipity #growth #development