Here’s a fact that might generate some hate, but I don’t care because it’s true: Most people get far more opportunities for success than they realize.
“Why do you say that, Steve?“
I’m glad you asked.
There are two reasons why this happens:
- Most people are too distracted to realize it, andÂ
- Most opportunities are disguised as innocuous requests
Chances are you’re getting more opportunities to advance your career and make more money than you ever imagined.
You just need to know what to look for.
How Opportunities Happen
Let’s discuss the two problems.
First, most people are too distracted to realize the opportunities right before them. Unless they literally get handed success on a silver platter, they assume it’ll never come.
Our brains are hard-wired only to see what we want to be true.
Consider this: Let’s say you want to buy a new car. Say it’s a Ford Fusion.
You’re researching the different models. Pouring through crash test data. Watching YouTube review vids. In other words, you’re knee-deep in Ford Fusions.
And now, you’re noticing every Ford Fusion on the road each time you drive, right? They were always there, but you didn’t notice them before.
Now, you are. You’re focused on buying a Fusion, and your brain picks out Fusions left and right because you’re always thinking about them.
The same concept applies in every other facet of life. Such as success.
If you think you’re unlucky, you’re going to be unlucky. If you think the world hates you, then it will. If you think opportunities don’t happen for you, guess what? You’ll miss every opportunity that does.
Your brain makes your preconceived notions true.
Second, many opportunities for advancement aren’t blatantly obvious. Instead, they are disguised as simple questions. Or a series of small actions that add up to something gigantic.
For instance, this never happened in my career:
“Hey Steve, want a promotion?“
F*ck me, if only it were that easy. But…it allllllmost is.
This is how those opportunities usually take shape:
“Hey Steve, can you help me with something?“
Or, “Hey Steve, mind working this weekend to finish this project?“
The problem is these requests aren’t instant success (ie, “Want to be the boss?”), and that’s why people miss them.
People see, “Ugh, more work.”
But what they don’t see is, “This is setting me up for good things.”
These are advancement opportunities in disguise because you’re being a team player, going the extra mile, and becoming indispensable.
And when raises and promotions come around, you’ll be in a much better position because you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Millionaires recognize the opportunities before them, even if it’s not “instant success.” They play the long game. They think multiple moves ahead and are laser-focused on long-term success…
…not instant gratification.
The next time you’re at work, think about this: Take the time to recognize advancement opportunities, which are probably all over the place.
