This past week, I made a major career change.  A  year ago, I would have never thought that I’d be making the switch, even though I have always been the type of person who likes to plan ahead and think bigger.  When the invitation to join a thriving partnership came along recently, I was honored and excited for the opportunity.  My internal process of planning for more was put into motion with this invitation, and I was ready to get started.

So, this brings me to a question for you…are you open to engage in new opportunities?  Making changes involves risk.  The risk that the change won’t work out, the risk that you’ll be leaving something solid for something unknown, and most importantly that the risk that you will discover things about yourself that will move you far outside your comfort zone into a place of optimum exertion.  As I was working through this process, I discovered a few things.

1) Opportunity won’t come knocking all by itself

If you are looking for opportunities, whether it is within your current job / lifestyle or for something new, doing nothing and hoping for the best won’t get you anywhere.  You are never a victim of missed opportunities, but instead the instigator of creating them.

2) Successful changes take work

A good work ethic, in my opinion, is the most valuable trait you can possess.  If you are unsure of what to do next, put your nose to the grindstone and do what you know well.  Think of things outside of your day-to-day activities that you can engage in to grow personally and professionally.  Volunteer your time with others to learn new skills, and be both a student and a teacher to balance the give and take atmosphere that you will most definitely create.

3) Pack your own parachute

Planning appropriately for new opportunities helps get you through the “what ifs” of the new risk.  Doing the prep work ahead of time (i.e. researching and understanding the risks involved, creating some possible solutions to how you will overcome these risks) will allow your mind and your heart to fully engage and overcome those new obstacles with ease.