Take Opportunities When They Arise!
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
–Zig Ziglar
Opportunities. Do you embrace them or steer clear?
Years ago, I realized that if I didn’t embrace opportunities, I would ride the train of mediocrity and I can tell you from experience that train stinks! So, I changed my attitude and eventually, my altitude changed. Something else changed too, I began to love and seek out new adventures. Now, opportunities are the number one reason why I love my job and in fact, that reason is also present in the number two and three spots.
Now this post isn’t meant to be a narcissistic run down about all of the cool things I get to do at Maps, but it’s meant to show the power of opportunities and why I love them. It’s also meant to encourage each of you to take advantage of them because you never know what’s around the corner.
Reason #1 – I love those stretching opportunities…
“When you feel anxious or uncomfortable, you are sitting on the cusp of a higher, more rewarding existence.” (http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/anxiety.htm) Love it, embrace it and, quite frankly, get used to it! These are signs that you’re on the right path!
“We can never hope to achieve success unless we’re willing to embrace change and risk the discomfort of failure. In short, we must be willing to get comfortable with the discomfort involved with taking risks.” (http://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/04/22/is-comfort-holding-you-back/)
Those who take risks are the ones who are going to grow from it, regardless of the outcome. Whatever happens, you’re pushing your boundaries to create a better YOU and that feeling in the bottom of your stomach is just a temporary growing pain. Don’t let that scare you away from life changing opportunities! You never know who you’ll meet which brings me to reason number two…
Reason #2 – I love meeting the movers and shakers…
Thus far in my young CU career, I’ve met some really cool people. I could not have dreamt that my boss would be pushing me to step up in front of a room full of Oregon constituents and CU professionals in Washington DC during GAC to ask Senator Jeff Merkley a question. Before this opportunity, I thought I was beyond sweating or shaking that much but you know what? It was just fine, in fact- awesome! When I think about addressing other officials or leaders in my community I think to myself, “I got this- I asked a Senator a question!” I can assure you that by embracing opportunities and taking full advantage of them, you not only increase confidence and give yourself experience to build on, but you may learn about other organizations- which brings me to reason #3.
Reason #3 – I love being exposed to new organizations…
For those that know me best, know that I have a heart for the country of Cambodia and know of my never ending fight against human trafficking. The numerous opportunities experienced through the CU thus far have provided connections and information about other organizations of interest. On an international level, I’ve learned more about WOCCU and was invited to the Global Women’s Leadership Network breakfast in D.C. On a local level, I’ve been asked to join the board of an anti-human trafficking organization and have been able to advocate against trafficking to other audiences in the community. Again, you never know where life will take you!
Turning out the lights…
“Ten years from now there will be people who have achieved extraordinary success. While we don’t know who they will be, one thing is sure – they won’t be people who have stayed inside their comfort zone. Rather, they will be people who have continued to stretch themselves, even when things are going smoothly, and who have been willing to risk failure or looking foolish, knowing that the biggest risk they take is not taking any risks at all. The question is – will you be one of them?!”
(http://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/04/22/is-comfort-holding-you-back/)
Without taking the first step and pushing through those uncomfortable barriers, you may never meet the people you were supposed to meet, or learn about other organizations you were supposed to learn about. So I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities for they are the catalysts to new heights in personal and professional growth as well the vehicle to new people and organizations. Avoid the train of mediocrity. Trust me – the plane of new experiences is much faster.
