Missing out of opportunities

Time and tide waits for no man. One of the things that results regret most times in life is failing to grab opportunities that crosses one's path. This is especially so for those opportunities which one may only encounter once in a lifetime. It's probably for this reason that a motivational speaker once described luck as haven adequately prepared oneself in the eventuality of an opportunity presenting itself such that one will be able to grab or make best use of it.

Considering that success is largely dependent on how best we are able to utilize opportunities that come our way. One has to but wonder why do people missing out on opportunities. Do they do so deliberately or because they simply cannot recognise the opportunities for what they are? . The answer to the preceding question is not a simple one as a variety of reasons or causes could be responsible. I will attempt to attempt to write about a few of them in this post.

1. Lack of information

It is said that information is power. Thus successful people or those who excel in any aspect of life are usually those who have access to not just mere information but the right one. Having access to the right information is pivotal to being able to keying in to opportunities because there's a lot of misinformation as well as inaccurate information flying about.

There are so many opportunities abound for people to get financial freedom , however more often than not most persons are oblivious of such information thus they are unable to tap into it. What separates most people and attaining their dreams is access to the right information. This lack of access to right information is why people end up buying 'the top' thinking it's 'the bottom' in crypto lingo.

Similarly lack of access or not getting information in good time could lead to missing out from getting into good projects early with low entry points or prices, this is why people usually buy into good projects late when the FOMO has set in. This information factor also applies to regular businesses.

For those with experience in e-commerce there are usually opportunities to get quality products at discounted rates or prices when flash sales are held. Thus individuals with this knowledge often look forward to these periods while those who lack it usually miss out of such opportunities.

1. Having a fixed or negative mindset

The mind is a powerful thing. Its orientation can make the difference as to how one perceives life's occurences. Challenges may not always be stumbling block in one's path, in fact if related to with an open or creative mind which isn't fixated on the negatives, it may well be managed such that it turns out to be an opportunity to achieve something great rather than being a hindrance.

A glimpse at the lives of many an inventor or scientist suggests that they related with the challenges in their path to making their big discoveries or inventions as opportunities to learn rather than stumbling blocks which cannot be surmounted.

That is the power of positivity or positive thinking. A negative mindset on the other hand will rather dwell on the possibility of failure due to previous unsuccessful attempts or trials. Thus even if a great opportunity is staring an individual with such mindset in the face, it will not be taken due to recalling memories of past or previous failures.

1. Fear of the unknown

It is only natural as humans to exercise restraint or entertain some fears when entering uncharted waters. It is that fear that keeps us alert and on the watch out for the dangers that may be lurking in the shadows. However becoming enslaved to this fear puts us in a disadvantaged position especially when faced with the prospect of attempting something which we have never done before.

It tends to hold us back from exploring new things or opportunities. When we give in to this fear we're plagued with thoughts about the so many what ifs we could encounter while taking a new path. We dwell on what we cannot control rather than looking forward to the possibilities or new opportunities with excitement by concentrating on what we can control such as our reactions or emotions when we encounter something which we weren't expecting.

There will always be unknown variables when we attempt something new or different, the only way to utilize the opportunities these unknowns present is to leave our comfort zone else we'll be held in perpetual captivity by our fears.

1. Lack of or inadequate preparation

Failure to take necessary action in terms of preparations as well as delaying such leads to being unable to utilize opportunities that one may have been wishing for. If one fails to make the required preparation which will make one eligible to benefit from an opportunity then whenever such opportunity presents itself, it's as good as being missed.

For example one cannot be dreaming of a career in Data science without preparing oneself for such role . Preparation in this case requires acquiring knowledge about programming tools such as python as well as getting certified for haven attained some level of proficiency in using such tools. Word of mouth isn't simply good enough for anyone to give you an opportunity in their firm or organisation.

Thus preparation in an adequate manner is vital in utilizing opportunities especially those that require a particular skill set. Like it is often said, if one fails to plan, then one plans to fail.

What other reason do you think is responsible for people missing out on opportunities? Feel free to leave your responses in the comments section.

Thanks for dropping by.