Many people claim they would give anything for a genuine opportunity to advance in life. I hear it all the time, “What I wouldn’t do to have what she has!” or “Why does she have all the luck?” and even “I’m waiting for my ship to come in.”
When an opportunity does present itself, however, it would seem only very few actually step forward. Why is that?
I believe it is because most people don’t really want an opportunity, they want a reward. They want the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, without participating in the adventure to locate it. They want the winning lottery ticket, the instant fix, or a wonder cure. They’d rather connect on a Hail Mary pass then drive the ball down the field. They would rather wish than work.
Opportunities and rewards are not the same.
An opportunity never arrives alone. It is always accompanied by work, sacrifice, and change.
Work deters a few from seizing an opportunity, but most people understand the basic idea that they have to put forth some effort to get something back. They just want to make certain the reward outweighs the effort. If it does they stay with it. If the reward isn’t big enough, or it arrives too late or too infrequently, they’re gone. Sadly, most don’t stick with an opportunity long enough to reap the benefits.
Sacrifice deters even more people from an opportunity than work. People are willing to put some time in for the reward, but they aren’t always willing to give something up. Opportunity is always accompanied by sacrifice whether it be an investment of time, finances, or energy. The more comfortable we become in our lives the harder it is to make sacrifices for opportunities. Sacrifices can and should be made in balance with our values, and consideration for our family.
Change is the biggest road block to opportunities because the thought of becoming something or someone new just out right frightens people. People like who they are, and once they reach a certain age, they find an identity of comfort. (Tip: don’t ever get too comfortable.) They don’t realize that change is actually growth, and growth is what life is all about. Once you stop growing, improving, and changing, the quest ends, the journey is over, and life loses it purpose. The conquering of every challenge creates a change. Opportunities change us for the better.
In your life you have been given many opportunities. You chased after some will full vigor. Some you sort of jogged after until they left your range of vision. Others zipped by without you even flinching. You have had opportunities, and you will have more.
The best advice I can offer is this: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Figure out what you want, go after it, and make opportunities happen. Share your dreams. Ask for help.
Now give some. That’s right. Think of ways you can offer genuine opportunities to others for no other reason than that you want someone to become all that they are capable of becoming. Do this and you will find opportunities at every turn in life. People love, respect, and reward those who help them.
Kelly Croy is an inspirational speaker and artist. Please visit www.kellycroy.com or call 1-800-831-4825 or email at info@kellycroy.com to book Kelly for your event. • Kelly’s presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation, anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.