June 30, 2009

OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE   It's a funny thing about opportunity. You would think that it is readily apparent, but oftentimes it goes unnoticed.  Perhaps you're looking in the wrong direction, or looking for the wrong thing, or looking for it to just fall into your lap, or perhaps you've just given up looking at all because you believe opportunity never comes your way.   Additionally, opportunity "has a sly habit of slipping in by the back door, and often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.  Perhaps this is why so many fail to recognize opportunity," said Napoleon Hill.   Furthermore, some people close the opportunity door before it even has a chance to open. Yikes!   Yes, opportunity is an opening; an opening to something new, to something desired; your chance to have what you want in life.    How can you recognize opportunity?  Follow these tips:   Be absolutely clear on what it is you want in life.  What is your vision?  What is your definite purpose, as Hill would say?  Then stand by that purpose and be persistent. The Universe will then begin to act in your favor and send you opportunities (that you must recognize) that will take you to your vision.    Be open-minded and explore all possibilities.  Take advantage of the creative power of the Universe as it shows you the "how" to achieve your dreams.  Hill says there is no shortage of opportunity; there's only a shortage of imagination.  Put yours into high gear.   Always be asking:  "Why is this happening to me (whether it be success or misfortune) - what is the message here? What clues must I recognize?  What is my next step?"  When opportunity does knock, ask these questions:  "Is this opportunity something that I want?  Will this opportunity take me to where I want to go?"    Remove all negativity from your mindset.  Your life follows your expectations. When you expect defeat your subconscious mind will do its best to make sure you lose. Remove the doubt, fear, and worry from your mindset.  Expect success and step out in faith and confidence and believe.  Grasp the opportunity and run with it.    Lastly, be aware of what opportunity requires of you.  Yes, it might require some sort of sacrifice.  You might have to work a little harder, put in more time, pay a bit more, take a risk, and ruffle a few of your feathers. Are you up for the challenge? When you resist, the opportunity will pass you by.   Accept the challenges and again, the Universe will move in your favor.   So, what are you waiting for?   OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE   What do you see?   Opportunityis nowhere.  or Opportunityis now here.   What you're looking for is looking for you.  Seize the opportunity.      "Even when opportunity knocks a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door."             Unknown   "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade."             Thomas J. Peters   "A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.'             Harry Truman   "Your big opportunity may be right where you are now."             Napoleon Hill     I heard somewhere that opportunity comes through people, and not from people. I've been pondering that lately as it puts another perspective on the workings of opportunity.  Does it mean that no one will hand you something on a silver platter?  Perhaps.  Or, does it mean that the process is hastened by the people you surround yourself with?  Someone could know someone who... or an idea could arise through someone else and it is just the idea you've been searching for, or that someone helps the Universe move in your favor.  Take another look at the people around you.  Where is the opportunity?   Opportunity, though, still rests in your hands.  You have to step out of your box and seize what the Universe is offering you.  You must open the door.  Your opportunity is now here.  Do you see it?   Have a fantastic week and seize the opportunity.   Stephanie   P.S. My travels this month took me to Hilton Head, SC for the AAWD Annual Meeting.  The meeting was great and Hilton Head was fabulous.  It won't be the last time I visit that beach city.  Then it was off toOrlando,FLwhere I spoke at the Florida National Dental Convention.  That was another first for me.  One of the audience members said: "Thank you again so much for a great class.  I am sincere when I tell you it was exactly what I needed at the time.  The valuable insights will stay with me a lifetime."   I was able to spend a few days with my daughter Valerie inTampaafter the convention and enjoyed a day at the beach too. Valerie followed me back home a few days later, as the family gathered for my nephew's wedding (the first of the cousins to marry).        I spoke about Rings around the Collar and marriage on Blog Talk Radio in June.  Listen here by going to on demand.      We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com