Opportunities

The Stoic philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” No one is lucky. They are prepared. When a chance presents itself, preparation enables them to find success.

Put another way:

No one is lucky. Luck is created. How is it created (if you asked Dwight or Billy Zane), through preparation (see Seneca).

Preparation is the focus of self-help books and conversations. Opportunities are often overlooked.

What People Believe to Be Opportunities

Fleeting moments that if not capitalized on will have dire consequences on one’s future. Think shooting star. If you’re not around for it, your wish won’t be granted.

What are Opportunities

Constant. Opportunities are not shooting stars, they’re everyday stars. And not searching for stars in the smog filled skies of Los Angeles. They are nights in the Atacama Desert in Chile, where the dark skies, high altitude, and dry climate make constellation spotting ubiquitous.

People would rather believe that opportunities are rare, because it gives them an excuse as to why they are stagnant. “The right opportunity hasn’t come my way. But, when it does, I’ll be ready for it.”

There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Each one is opportunity to make progress towards your goal (what you’re wishing on that star for). Not that people need to seize every available minute of every day (you have to set aside a few to read the latest BlogGaud). However, 1,440 is an extremely large number when juxtaposed to the frequency at which one spots a shooting star.

“Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”

Stop worrying about missing the next opportunity, because the truth is the days are filled with them, and every time you neglect these opportunities you’re cheating yourself at a chance of greatness.