Career advice and information for the new millennium         Issue 1

Opportunity! Where Are You?

By Marlene J. Pagley-Waldock

Are you seeking that opportunity of a lifetime? You know the one that will catapult your business to new heights, allow your career to soar right through the glass ceiling, or make you a star. It is really out there or does it or does it only happen in the movies?

Too often, opportunity is staring us in the face, and we are too busy or too closed minded to recognize it. These opportunities may be disguised in many unlikely forms, and can often be more than what they appear on the surface. So how do you uncover these "Big Breaks?" Try these three steps.

1. Explore - The universe is ready to give you what you want when you ask for it. Talk about your passions and dreams to everyone you know and even meet casually. You must "Dream Big" to make it big. The more you release your thoughts and desires, the faster the opportunity will find you.
   
   
2. Be Open and Aware - The "opportunity" door may only be open briefly, so pay attention. Also, be open to many options! Don't limit yourself because you decided how the opportunity should look. This is known as a limiting belief. Keep your eyes and ears open, stay aware and don't limit yourself.
   
   
3. Take the plunge - Nothing is perfect in life and even that which appears to be is probably not. When the opportunity at hand is not exactly how you envisioned it, evaluate the positives. Is this a stepping stone to something else, maybe that big break? Unless the negatives so heavily outweigh the positives, take the plunge. You can always quit. What you can't foresee are the other opportunities that can result from this new endeavor.

When opportunity knocks, be sure that you are ready to open the door. It may only knock once! Unlock your thoughts, unlock your limitations, and unlock your future.