Are you ready to take full advantage of an opportunity you have dreamed of for years? What if an opportunity presents itself to get a promotion on your job, advance to a more lucrative career or get that business deal you have desired, would you be ready. A lot of individuals miss out on great opportunities because they have not made the necessary preparations to step through the door when it opens.
Don’t miss your opportunities because you cannot see pass your current situation or you are too busy chasing someone else’s dreams. Don’t let your opportunity pass because you are looking through the wrong door.
Here are eight truths that will empower you to take full advantage of your opportunities when they knock.
1. You cannot let the past dictate your future progress. We have all done things that we are ashamed of and regret. We constantly live in the tension of where we have been, where we are and where we want to go. To live life forward; you must release the guilt of yesterday, the disappointments of today and the fears of tomorrow.
2. You don’t know what you can accomplish until you do it. I don’t care if it hasn’t been done before, do it anyway. I don’t care if no one will go with you, go by yourself. I don’t care if you don’t get encouragement from your family or friends, encourage yourself. The person who really wants to do something finds a way; the other person finds an excuse.
3. Your life is designed to be motivated and fueled by God’s vision. You do not have to run and hide from life’s challenges. You do not have to live a mediocre existence. You do not have to down play who you are. You can pursue your vision with an aggressive offensive attack that will give you the strength and ability to overcome any obstacles that stand in your way.
4. You need to have a funeral for your past. Invite everyone that knows about your past and preach the eulogy. Dig the grave and bury it. You can’t live forward while dragging your past with you. It will not work. It is like trying to drive to a destination while looking in the rear view mirror. You will never make it! It is time to leave the past in the rear view mirror and focus forward.
5. Your thoughts can limit or expand your world. They can influence what you attempt or choose not to attempt. Your thoughts determine what you pay attention to, how you react in difficult situations and ultimately your attitude for success. Success and failure begins with what the mind believes is possible. Change your thinking and your life will change.
6. Your commitment to living your vision is essential. Don’t automatically think everyone that is close to you will support your vision. Don’t think that you are not going to encounter struggles. The truth is your life may get more chaotic. Things that use to work may stop working. That doesn’t mean you abandon your vision or walk away from commitments. Don’t throw in the towel too early. You may be closer than you think in realizing your unique vision.
7. You can let go of discouraging people, disastrous habits and debilitating thoughts. You have suffered enough collateral damage. If you believe where you are going is better than where you have been or where you currently are, then it is time to do what you need to do and move forward. It is your responsibility. The choice is yours. You can’t wait for no one’s approval or the ideal situation. They may never come. Put your unique vision to work and see what happens.
8. You cannot afford to waste time worrying. Worrying will not add a single moment to your life. Worry weighs you down. It is a mental burden. It focuses you in the wrong direction. Life is full of many concerns stemming from the absence of certainty and control over the future. No amount of worrying will change your situation. You overcome worry by refocusing your thoughts, trusting God’s vision plan and doing what you know is right to do.
If you adopt these eight truths in your life, you will recognize your opportunities when they come.
“Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door.” Anonymous
Question: What opportunities have you forfeited because of fear or lack of faith? Leave a comment below.
Image courtesy: freedigitalphotos.net
kimanzi constable says
Man, I wish I could have read this post 3 years ago, spot on! I was in israel last month and stood where our Lord stood and really saw the Bible clearly.
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks for commenting. That is one of my dreams is to visit Israel. I wrote this post from place in my life and I am still working through some of the challenges. I know with God’s help I will overcome. Kimanzi, I really appreciate how you are allowing God to use you in an incredible way. Keep pressing toward your prize. I wish you abundant success.
Loren Pinilis says
I think fear has crippled many of us. Most of the time, it’s not some sweeping decision to duck out of a major responsibility. Most of the time, it’s just simple procrastination which numbs us.
Bernard Haynes says
I totally agree. Fear has definitely crippled me from moving forward.
Dan Black says
Great thoughts Bernard, especially #4. Our past can really hold us back if we allow it too. Forgetting and moving forward is essential if we expect to do great things.
Bernard Haynes says
Dan, you hit the nail on the head. I had to have a funeral for a couple of past events a few days ago. I had allowed them to hold me hostage from moving in a place I needed to be.
Elizabeth Swart says
Goodness me … I think I have just had one serious “WAKE-UP” call. As I scroll through this list I feel like I am looking in a mirror and for the first time actually acknowledging that the only reason I am not doing what makes me happy is because I am “choosing” fear above taking that step forward in faith. I think I am 100% guilty of ‘faith without action’ getting me nowhere. Time for me to print this list out and seriously SERIOUSLY reflect on my life from the beginning again. Thank you Mr Haynes for this blessing I needed to see and hear today. Elizabeth,
Bernard Haynes says
Elizabeth thanks for your comment. I know what it is like to be guilty of ‘faith without action’. I constantly battle the putting my faith in action. It is easy for me to talk about faith but sometimes it is hard for me to activate my faith. I am a work in progress.