Note To Self-Be Ready When Opportunity Knocks

Jim Rohn, a personal development luminary, holds a special place in my heart. He was like the Obi-Wan Kenobi to Tony Robbins, dispensing wisdom and life-changing insights. One of his most cherished mantras? "Be ready when opportunity knocks."

Here I am, often tirelessly hunting for opportunities, yet I've overlooked the importance of being prepared for when those opportunities come knocking. This, my friend, is a glaring issue. If opportunity beats at my door, I want to greet it with arms wide open.

So, what's my game plan? I say "no." In fact, I say it quite frequently. As the years roll by, opportunities will flock to you like moths to a flame. Simply being on this Earth longer, amassing wisdom and experience, makes you a hot commodity in the world of opportunities. But it all hinges on how wisely you've spent your days.

I'm attempting to shift my focus to opportunity costs. It's our natural inclination to shout "yes" to every chance that knocks. Why? For starters, there's that ego-boosting feeling of being wanted. Who doesn't love that? And then, there's the sense of duty. We often think, "If this opportunity graces my doorstep, who am I to turn it away?"

And, of course, there's the golden allure of money. Let's face it, it's tough to say no to money. I'm not saying we're greedy for needing more. If an opportunity offers a financial lifeline for you and your family, it's just common sense to give it a serious look. But even then, that opportunity should endure rigorous scrutiny.

Today, I'm making a solemn vow to treat the opportunities I've been bestowed with great reverence and gratitude, something I've too often taken for granted. I've been so preoccupied chasing the next big thing that I've disregarded the incredible opportunities already in my grasp. This is something I aim to rectify. My game plan is simple: crush the opportunities I've got.

Essentialism is the name of the game. I'm embracing a mindset that's all about focusing solely on tasks that are essential for my well-being, whether it's my health, wealth, or relationships. If a task doesn't fit the bill, I've got to have the discipline to say, "No."

Take Southwest Airlines as an example. They're renowned for replying with a firm "no" to any initiative that doesn't align with their mission of being the most profitable, on-time, low-cost airline in the world. That's their essence, and everything else is a "no" in the eyes of senior management.

So, this is my mission, not just for today but for every day moving forward. By practicing essentialism, I'll be prepared for when opportunity comes knocking, and I'll be ready to embrace it with open arms.