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We all know that someone that seems to consistently enjoy one success after another.
Maybe it’s that friend of yours that landed their dream job straight out of college.
Or that other friend that has been promoted not once, but twice in the last year.
Perhaps people like this are just born lucky.
Or maybe they were simply at the right place at the right time.
Or maybe, just maybe, they’re doing something only slightly different from the rest of us.
The ability to spot those golden opportunities in life is not a rare gift that has been bestowed upon a select few; rather, it’s a valuable practice that has been developed from consistent use and practice.
You don’t have to come from a gene pool that includes geniuses or insanely wealthy people to make things happen. You just need to sharpen a few, simple yet effective practices that can help you to not only see, but also forge exciting opportunities for yourself.
5 Ways to Spot Those Golden Opportunities
1. Reassess your perspective on change. How do you see change? As something that’s a nuisance? Or something you “can’t deal with” right now? Seeing change as a hassle instantly diminishes your ability to spot opportunity. Instead of resenting change in your life, welcome the opportunities that come with change, and see change as a clean slate for new ideas and creations.
2. Believe in creating your own luck. If you believe in hard work, formulating your own plan, and working towards a goal, being able to see opportunities as they arise becomes much easier. The optimism that comes with believing in luck will make the seemingly impossible possible, and the unattainable attainable.
3. Show a childlike curiosity. Disengaging from what’s going on around you limits your worldview and instantly diminishes your opportunities. Engage with your surroundings and with the present moment. Ask questions. Learn as much as possible. Question the things you normally pass over or even take for granted. Believe me, you’ll see things differently, and notice things you haven’t noticed before.
4. Let your imagination run wild. Successful people know that opportunity is hidden everywhere, and so the wheels of their imaginations are always turning. Let your creative juices flow when you think about what interests you and what you’re good at. Twist, bend and mold those ideas to make them even more unique and reflective of you and your talents. Make it a habit to wonder about how you can improve the things you see, do, or use everyday. How can you make a boring process more fun? Or something dull more colorful? More vibrant? Let your imagination run wild.
5. Value your work and what you do. Your attitude is the single most important factor that influences the value you assign to your job or whatever you do. No matter how menial or dull the task is, see it as an important, valuable piece of the bigger picture. You’ll be surprised by how an attitude like this can transform your perspective towards your work, and even your life. What’s more, people will actually respond more positively to your attitude, and they’ll see you as someone that can effect change, and perhaps the right person to take on a new opportunity or venture.
6. Don’t wait. Often when we spot an opportunity, we hesitate, letting the opportunity pass us by. While it’s good to think through complex decisions, letting your fear of failure hold you back is what will ultimately keep you from seizing those golden opportunities. Trust your intuition, and don’t hold back.
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