APPRECIATING THE OPPORTUNITY

As I was going over my schedule for the upcoming week this past weekend, I was in one way surprised at how fast the days are filled from morning to night, and in another way, not. I decided to look at the tasks, appointments, commitments, classes, sessions, and so forth, as opportunities rather than something other, lol.

Opportunities to grow, share, utilize and refine my time management skills, social skills, and perhaps most importantly, flexibility. 

Opportunities lie about us each and every day. The opportunity to meet someone new, to get to know them, and learn about their background, talents and viewpoints. 

Opportunities to be of service to someone, to lighten another's load, share a smile, a hearty laugh, or a listening ear. 

The opportunity to perhaps, do something we do daily, but differently today, or perhaps with a different perspective. 

The opportunity to build our skills, look at the details, pick an issue apart and set things straight. 

The opportunity to spend time with a child, youth, or young adult and share some insights with them, as we learn twice as much in the process, from them. 

The opportunity to observe, to ponder, to dream, and to take action. 

The opportunity to cease the moment for what it is, with no regrets. 

The opportunity to __________________. 

You start filling in the blanks.

What opportunties do you see for yourself today?

Jim Rohn put it nicely:

Somebody said you have to love what you do, but that's not necessarily true. What is true is that you have to love the opportunity. The opportunity to build life, future, health, success and fortune.

Knocking on someone's door may not be something you love to do, but you love the opportunity of what might be behind that door.

 For example, a guy says, "I'm digging ditches. Should I love digging ditches?" The answer is, "No, you don't have to love digging ditches, but if it is your first entry onto the ladder of success, you say, 'I'm glad somebody gave me the opportunity to dig ditches and I'm going to do it so well, I won't be here long.'

"

You can be inspired by having found something even though you are making mistakes in the beginning and even though it is a little distasteful taking on a new discipline that you haven't learned before. You don't have to love it, you just have to learn to appreciate America, appreciate opportunity and appreciate the person who brought you the good news; that found you.



Appreciate the person who believed in you before you believed in yourself, appreciate the person who said, "Hey, if I can do it, you can do it."

 If you will embrace the disciplines associated with the new opportunity you will soon find that your self-confidence starts to grow, that you go from being a skeptic to being a believer. And soon when you go out person to person, talking to people, you will find it to be the most thrilling opportunity in the world. Every person you meet - what could it be? Unlimited! Maybe a friend for life. The next person could be an open door to retiring. The next person could be a colleague for years to come. It's big time stuff. And sometimes in the beginning when we are just getting started we don't always see how big it is.



So, before you are tempted to give up or get discouraged, remember all success is based on long term commitment, faith, discipline, attitude and a few stepping stones along the way. You might not like the stone you are on right now, but it's sure to be one of the stones that lead to great opportunities in the future.