Sometimes opportunities just pop up out of nowhere!

I’ve been teaching a class recently which talks about the idea of being open to opportunities.

“Luck favors the prepared mind.”

Louis Pasteur

I have to confess that I don’t favor using the word “luck” in this context, because it feels too random and out of control. The fact is that opportunities happen all the time, but most of the time we’re not prepared to do anything about them.

And I’m not talking primarily about opportunities to invest money. Shysters will approach you all the time with unbelievable “deals” which they claim have no risk attached. It’s a whole different set of skills to decide which of those are worth paying attention to.

Hint: Almost none.

But ask yourself how many times you’re having an energizing discussion with someone and your response is:

  • I’d love to, but I don’t have the time
  • I wouldn’t even know how to get started
  • That’s amazing, but …

There’s something holding you back. Sometimes it’s real, but often it’s more of just a vague fear of the unknown. And we always have the excuse of being “too busy.”

But imagine that a dear friend from 20 years called you up and asked to meet for coffee. You’d work hard to make it happen, right? So “too busy” really means “I don’t want to try to make it happen.”

It’s not practical to try to hop on every opportunity, I get that. So how do we choose?

It comes down to your values and goals. If something is supported by your values and may get you closer to your goals, then it’s at least worth considering. Because you no doubt are doing lots of other things NOT consistent with your values and taking you away from your goals. We all do.

And that, my friends, is why it’s useful to clarify your personal goals, business purpose, group mission, and so on. Because it helps you make decisions.

And jump on great opportunities.