A Winning Combination for Achievement and Fulfillment

What’s more fun to watch–a show where the main character does the same routine things every day or a show where the main character has a desire or cool idea, lives according to that desire/idea, and experiences some action and struggles but comes out victorious in the end?

Most would choose the one where the main character experiences variety, struggles, and change. Now, imagine your life as if you are the show’s main character (because you are all the stars in your individual lives).

The cycle of going to work, coming home, and resting on the couch certainly makes for a comfortable life, but is it a life well-lived? To answer that, consider the legacy you want to leave behind. How do you want to be remembered?

Everyone wants to live successfully and leave a positive and lasting imprint on the world. But often, mundane life things consume our time.

Ready to learn how to seize opportunities so that you grow, create, achieve fulfillment, and leave a lasting legacy? Consider this blog your motivation to take hold of opportunities.

​To take a quote from one of personal development writer Orison Swett Marden’s books, “Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.”

The right mindset is vital. Thoughts shape reality.

What you think affects your attention, intention, and action because where energy goes, the mind follows. When you focus on growth–on becoming more than what you already are–you begin noticing opportunities that help you grow.

It’s kind of like learning a new word and then suddenly seeing that word everywhere when you never noticed it before. It’s a pretty cool thing the brain does called a frequency bias. This frequency illusion, also called the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon, is the reason you become more aware of how frequently you notice something after becoming aware of it.

​In other words, your brain is wired to pick up on things you become aware of. You can use this bias to your advantage. Focus on growth, and you’ll notice more opportunities to grow. Reading self-development books about mindset is a great way to build and maintain your focus.

Everyone has ideas and desires. You were born for a purpose–a creative being meant to use your unique personality, perspective, and talents to add to our world.

​Notice what you’re drawn to, what subjects interest you, and what you’re naturally good at. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to recognize your strengths because they come so easily to you. You might mistakenly assume your “something” is also something everyone else is good at. Rest assured, your unique “something” is where your interests and natural abilities meet.

How do you turn mindset and desires into action? You become a doer and not just a dreamer by making a habit of starting.

Seize opportunities that come your way. Whether you follow through well or poorly, you will grow.

​If you constantly let opportunities pass you by, that’ll be the habit cycle you continually repeat. To paraphrase a quote from basketball great Michael Jordan, if you quit once, it becomes easier to quit. If you don’t do something with all your creativity and ideas, you’ll habitually trash them.

Here’s how to get into the habit of putting ideas into motion and get momentum on your side: Immediately pursue ideas that pop into your head, acting on them just a few minutes at a time.

Want to start a business? Could you take two minutes to research and join your local (or a virtual) entrepreneurial or small business association?

Want to eat healthy? Why not spend the next minute or two ridding your pantry of junk food?

​Take the next small step, just a few short minutes at a time, and see how easy it is to progress towards your goal. Little habits build on each other and give you momentum. As a bonus, achieving small goals builds confidence.

Stay focused on your path. Join a group of like-minded individuals. Learn as much as you can about the subjects that interest you. Apply what you’ve learned to your professional career or personal life.

Opportunities lead to growth, but only if you act on them.

Growth leads to achievement and fulfillment.

Achievement requires turning ideas into reality. You do this by creating repeatable patterns (habits).

​Fulfillment comes from living out your purpose, learning, and growing as you go. Creating something–a product, idea, legacy–that outlasts you leads to true fulfillment.

Continue thinking of the lasting impact you want to leave on your family or the world. How do you want the story of your life to play out? What do you want your legacy to be?

​Keep those questions and answers in mind as you:

Opportunities and growth are interconnected. You don’t grow by continuing to do the same routine things.

You grow when you stretch beyond your comfort zone, seizing opportunities that come your way. Sometimes, those opportunities come knocking loudly on your door. Sometimes, they whisper.

Let’s say you grab those opportunities and fail to make them thrive. What then? The ‘what then’ is that you still made progress. You still achieved something. It may not have been the goal you had in mind, but it’s more than what you started with.

Don’t let fears or limiting beliefs keep you from trying. All journeys have ups and downs. A growth mindset accepts that you are always learning. There are no actual failures–it’s all lessons learned. Seize the opportunity, friends.

​Want to dive deeper? Gain access to exclusive resources, expert guidance, and a supportive community of achievers–join Secrets of Success Mastermind Membership. Unlock your true potential and start living a life of purpose and impact. Click here to start your journey now!