3 Reasons Why We Miss Great Opportunities!

They are disguised (expecting something different)

This week I experienced a major shift in my business. I have been working on completing an online writing workshop designed to assist others with becoming great writers and independently published authors. It is set to be released on June 1st, 2017. A slight hold-up was the quality of the videos. I envisioned the quality of the videos far exceeding what I post to Youtube for my vlogs. This would require an extended amount of studio time, a video editor and a creative director. This is where the story gets interesting.

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to speak at a technology event about a project I implement in my Sociology classes. I arrive at the event and there was only a program director and a couple of assistants with her. She wanted to get some insight into the project to see if it is something that could be scaled for use in other types of courses. I was slightly taken aback by the amount of people in the room, but nonetheless, my videography showed up to record my presentation and I happily went on with the show as if I were speaking to hundreds.

I never thought twice about the size of the crowd because I speak about topics I love and the love is the reason why I do it. A couple of weeks later I receive an email stating that because I presented at this forum, I would now have unlimited access to a video production studio managed by the same people I spoke for. I made the appointment and have been going to the studio ever since recording my online writing workshop, free of charge! (see photo) This opportunity was disguised as an event with no audience but the compensation for being committed to do what I love was exactly what I needed to move forward on this beloved project.

Self-doubt

Another big reason why we miss opportunities is because of self-doubt. We let the chatter in our heads determine how great we are or how far we deserve to go. Our personal limiting beliefs, whether inherited or learned, begin to facilitate a culture of self-doubt within our social environments. The opportunity arrives, we have prepared for the moment, all of our ducks are in a row, yet we fail to show p and deliver. This happens when we don’t truly believe that we are good enough to manifest our dreams.

If we can remember that our brains are built to operate from patterns and habits, we might be able to get on the other side of self-doubt. I practice paying close attention to that bad feeling I get when its time for me to perform and I remember it. I remember it as a lie my brain is accustomed to telling me. I analyze the feeling because each time I’m confronted with it, it becomes easier and easier to dismiss it. The negative talk and feelings are not true, bottom line. No matter how often they appear.

We have on blinders

Lastly, opportunities are plentiful, especially once we consider ourselves an expert in our field. Once we put ourselves out there we create a myriad of opportunities almost instantly. Take for instance The Speak and Write conference I attended this past weekend. One of the facilitators asked the audience, who edited books and assisted with self-publishing.

The old me would have flat-out stayed in my seat and shied-away from declaring my capabilities in front of people who might actually want to do business with me. This day, I stood up so quickly, with zero hesitation and thought to myself, “What have I been so afraid of all of this time? Why have I waited so long to be great?” Once I made my self known, I instantly gained three new clients in less than two minutes. Because in the past, I hadn’t decided to step into my role, I could not see how easy it is to create our own opportunities. I had on blinders, often believing that no one was in need of what I have to offer.

Opportunities are the lifeline for our dreams. If we are not in the right places at the right time, with the right preparation, we get over-looked. We become forgettable and ultimately self-doubt takes up long-term residence in our heads and hearts. Each day, decide what opportunity you will take advantage of or create towards your goals. Whether it’s starting a blog, a vlog, going to a meeting, working on a business plan, watching an instructional video, or simply sending an email advertising yourself; make a decision to be great and to never let another day go by without stepping into ALL of the opportunities available to you. Contrary to your brain chatter, YOU DESERVE IT!

Love,

Jameelah