Do you ever feel like opportunities just fall into other people’s laps? You see friends getting dream jobs, classmates launching successful businesses, and it all feels a little out of reach. Maybe you’ve been conditioned to wait for that perfect opportunity, the one that magically appears and catapults you towards your goals. The dream job listing you apply to with the highest hopes you land it. The getaway giveaway you entered online two days ago that you HOPE you get picked for…
But what if I told you that waiting for an opportunity that some one else created for you is the biggest obstacle you’ll face?
The truth is, opportunity isn’t a gift – it’s a creation. The good news? You have all the power to forge your own path. This isn’t about blind optimism or ignoring challenges. It’s about taking a proactive approach, embracing a little fearlessness, and transforming your life by diving headfirst into what excites you.
Here’s how you can start creating the opportunities you deserve:
1. Identify Your Passion and Break it Down:
The first step is figuring out what truly sets your soul on fire. What activities make you lose track of time? What problems do you instinctively want to solve? Is it photography, writing, coding, teaching? Once you have a general idea, don’t be afraid to get granular. For example, if you love to write, is it fiction, journalism, copywriting, or something else entirely? Is it getting outside and working with your hands? What kind of work do you like to do outside, do you like working with people or animals, or neither? Are you good with gardening, hiking, or hunting? Narrowing your focus creates a more actionable starting point.
2. Research and Learn Like a Pro:
Now that you know what ignites your passion, it’s time to immerse yourself in the world around it. Read books, listen to podcasts, take online courses. Network with people in your field, both online and offline. Attend workshops and conferences. Create a mastermind with a group of like-minded people in your field.
This doesn’t have to be expensive. Utilize free resources at your local library, online tutorials, and industry blogs. The key is to become a sponge, soaking up information and building your knowledge base.
3. Craft a Compelling Vision Board:
Remember those collages filled with magazine clippings and hopeful affirmations? Well, I’m here to say… BRING THEM BACK!
Find your favorite magazines laying around the house or at a reseller and cut out the images that inspire you! Online platforms like Pinterest are fantastic for creating mood boards filled with inspiring visuals, quotes, and websites related to your dream. This serves two purposes: First, it keeps your goal constantly in your line of sight, fueling your motivation. Second, it provides a springboard for brainstorming specific actions you can take.
4. Start with Small Actions and Celebrate Every Win:
Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to reach the mountain peak right away. Start at the summit. Begin with smaller, achievable goals. If you want to be a writer, commit to writing for 30 minutes a day, even if it’s just brainstorming ideas. Submit your content to online publications or publish on your own platforms and encourage people to read!
Dreaming of launching a baking business? Start by offering local coffee shops a co-op partnership where you giveaway your creations (or sell for a small profit) alongside their drinks. Want to exercise your knowledge in a certain field but you just can’t seem to find the right role for you? Start offering consultations or freelancing your services to start the process of expanding your reach and exercising your passion.
Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Acknowledge your progress and celebrate each milestone!
5. Network Like a Social Butterfly (Even if You’re an Introvert):
Connecting with others in your field is crucial. Join online communities, attend industry events, become a part of your local Chamber of Commerce, hold pop-ups for like-minded professionals at coffee shops or on IG or LinkedIn Live. Reach out to people you admire and ask for 15 minutes of their time to ask questions and learn more about who they are.
Don’t be afraid to send a message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in other peoples’ work. Most people are flattered and happy to offer advice or share their experiences. Building a strong network opens doors to collaborations, mentorships, and unexpected opportunities.
Are you a little lost when it comes to starting your networking journey? Try my FREE 5-day Networking Challenge to get the ball rolling!
6. Ask For What You Want and Expect to Hear “No”:
You’ll hear countless “no’s” along the way. Trust me. If you only heard “YES”, then you’re dreaming too small. But don’t let this stop you from asking for what you want. Email that dream employer even if they aren’t hiring and share your resume, asking for additional information and to be considered for future roles. Ask to join clubs or other groups even if it’s not accepting new members right now.
Maybe you don’t get a freelance gig you applied for, or your writing gets rejected by a magazine. It happens to everyone. Use these moments as learning opportunities. Learn from the feedback and refine your approach. Most importantly, don’t let a single “no” define you. Develop a thick skin and keep pushing forward.
7. Expand Your Comfort Zone and Befriend Fear:
Fear is a natural part of the process. But it shouldn’t be the driving force. Learn to recognize fear and choose to move forward despite it. Stepping outside your comfort zone is where real growth happens. The first blog post you write might be terrible, but with practice (and maybe a few more rejections) you’ll become a better writer.
8. Share Your Work with the World:
Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Treat every venture as a chance to experiment. That way, if it fails, you just gain knowledge from the experience and keep moving forward.
Share your work with a trusted circle of friends and mentors for feedback. Start a blog, a YouTube channel, or a social media page dedicated to your passion. Putting yourself out there allows you to connect with a wider audience and attract potential clients or collaborators. It also created accountability!
9. Give Back to the Community:
As you build your skills and experience, consider giving back to others. Offer mentorship to beginners, volunteer your time to a cause you care about, or write blog posts offering free advice. Nurturing the people who support you is a HUGE step towards creating a loyal following and dedicated community.
Your future is in no one else’s hands. It’s in yours. Your time and energy is yours to harness and control. Don’t wait for someone else to create the opportunity you are destined to take. Use your skills, mindset, passions, and network to build the life you have always dreamed of. You get one chance on this earth, don’t waste it sinking in someone else’s shadows.
