Many people wait for extraordinary opportunities to come their way.  But I believe life is about turning ordinary opportunities into extraordinary occurrences.  It has been said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity.  Coach John Wooden said,

“When opportunity comes it’s too late to prepare.”  

The difference between successful people and non-successful people is their ability to take advantage of ordinary opportunities.  They are prepared when opportunity comes their way.  As a result they seize common occurrences and make them great.  There is no magic formula, or as Ken Blanchard calls it, “a pill” in his book titled, “The Leadership Pill“.  Success is not something we get it is something we create.  It is about recognizing opportunity and seizing the moment, “Carpe Diem.”  I have found that most people do not do the work on the front end of opportunity, so when it comes they have nothing to grab onto it with.  But those who spend time preparing their life by growing and learning are those that are able to grab ahold of opportunity and make it great.  Life rarely hands us extraordinary circumstances, however we have the ability to turn ordinary circumstances into extraordinary opportunities.  While others are complaining that they never get a break, there are those that are making their break.

Who are you?

A never-get-a-breaker?

Or a making-your-breaker?    

How do you prepare in life for the extraordinary?

1. Believe in your WORTH

Many people simply don’t believe they can be extraordinary and therefore they never will.  We tend to rise to the expectations we set on ourself.  So if your expectations are low for yourself you will perform at a low level.  However, when you believe in your worth and value you will rise up to a higher level of performing.  Successful people are those that break through the self-limiting beliefs that try to suppress their ability.  Do you believe in your worth and value? Are you living life with confidence in who you are? If not, find your worth and your value and lift your head up with some life in you.  Life is too short to mope around day by day when you could be living your dreams.  Don’t be the person who’s grave read, “Died at 35, buried at 88.”

2. Believe in your GIFTS 

Everyone of us have special and unique gifts and talents.  Life is about discovering your “why.”  Why you are here and what you have to offer this world.  If you haven’t found your “why” you will never find your “will” to be extraordinary.  Your “why” is connected to your gifts and talents.  What is it that you do? What is it that comes naturally to you that make a difference? Are you good with people? Are you good with your hands? Are you an idea person? Are you a teacher? Are you artistic? Are you a motivator? Are you a listener? You get the point, you have to start identifying your gifts and grow them.  Don’t undermine how you are wired, use it and believe in your gifts.

3. Believe in your IMPACT

You can make a difference.  You are significant in what you offer this world.  It doesn’t matter how loud you are or how quiet you are, you have an impact to make in this world.  Life is about adding value and worth to others.  It is about lifting others up and making a difference.  You are a difference maker, don’t ever think you have nothing to offer this world.  That is a lie from the pit of hell.  You were created with the ability to change the world for the good.  We ALL have a part to play to impact the lives of others.  You have to believe in your impact and know what you do makes a difference, as small as it is, or as big as it may be.  Be faithful with the little things and you will grow into greater things.