“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” - Seneca
Are you ready for that opportunity or whiling away time?
“Opportunity comes but once” is a very popular quote. We use it sparingly all the time without fully grasping it. You will hear it at church, in school, at home or any other social gathering. My younger self used it all the time. I did not put my mind much to it until later years.
As I got older, it made me anxious that if I miss out on good things I would never get them back. Since opportunity comes only once, it means that if I don’t utilise one I have when it comes I will lose it…forever. The fear pushed me to work hard at pursuing the things I wanted. I would go on to take the first position throughout my primary school (Okay that’s a bit of a lie, I took second or third position once or twice). But everyone in my house agrees I’m the star girl (let my siblings not see this)
Anyways you get the picture. I worked hard but the anxiety was bad for me. I was afraid and I would beat myself up for missing that opportunity to win. Over the years, I have learned a lot of things and have come to see that quote differently.
It does not mean that opportunity will come only once rather when it comes and does not find us ready, another may take a while to come. Why? It's simple. We would still not be ready so we won’t even recognise it. Lack of preparation makes you miss out on things.
We think that others get lucky and we don’t. However, those people may have prepared for that opportunity but we did not. “Opportunities should find you ready”. Remember that opportunity you desperately wanted but missed because you were not ready? It could come again and you won't be able to grasp it.
Many of us don't utilise the waiting stage wisely. The waiting stage, as I like to call it, is when one is waiting for something to happen, regarding academics, career, or profession. Perhaps you are waiting for a response or a big break. You must wait. It’s not going to happen in a day. But if you don't prepare while waiting, you will miss it when it comes.
The major thing some people miss is not being ready for what will happen. And when it happens but you are not ready, you miss it. Then, cry wolf that life is unkind to you and you are having it the toughest on earth.
Is it even essential to be ready? Yes, honey, you may still not get the opportunity if you are ready but it would not be on the account of not-being-ready. Being ready boosts your confidence and opens you to new career opportunities. It improves your personal development and employable skills. When you are prepared for the opportunity you want to pursue, it gives you motivation to take more risks.
How do you get ready for an opportunity?
Be intentional: No matter the dose of motivation you take, nothing will come out of it if you are not intentional. Everything is in your mind. If you do not make up your mind to take the huge step and back it with actions, you won't achieve the desired results. Again, when you are expecting an opportunity, show that you want it. The actions you take may differ according to opportunity. If it's a job, ensure you send all the required documents with the application. Don't be nonchalant.
Don't procrastinate: We are all guilty of this. Why do it today when I can do it tomorrow? Until tomorrow comes and you realise that you have deadlines to meet, online classes to take, and a million and one other things you moved to “tomorrow.” Also, the opportunity will catch you unawares and you will miss it. So when you stumble, don’t relax but pick up and continue your consistent journey.
Build experience and Portfolio: Experience makes you better. As a newbie, one of the best ways to gain experience is to volunteer or intern with organisations related to your interest. Many people don’t want to do “free” work. But they do not understand that it is part of the process. You have to stoop to conquer. The experience you get as a volunteer or intern can be used in your portfolio to get you paid jobs.
Take necessary correction/action: Let us say that you get a bad review for a work or a rejection__ the first thing a human would be is to be sad and unmotivated. However, what you do with those feelings matters. Do you try to learn from the reviews and work on the corrections made? Or do you wallow in bitterness? When you take corrections from past happenings, you improve and be ready for the next opportunity.
What are you willing to give?
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work (Thomas A. Edison)."
The truth is some people want it easy. But that is not how it works. You have to put in the work. Even those that come from “privilege” worked hard. You must give something; time, sleep, or resources. How hard do you want it? Are you willing to give what it will cost? Answer these questions and take the necessary steps.
Cheers to your continued growth and a fulfilled life.
With love and everything beautiful,
Chinonyelum.
God knows I love this piece. This writer has improved me personally, and I know she has alot to offer to the world. Thank you