New Year, New Opportunities

     Thomas Edison once said that "opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work". There are many reasons that some seize opportunities and an even longer list of why people do not. Maybe you are worried about doing something wrong, not being totally prepared, feel unqualified, not willing to fail, or like Edison said, not willing to to put in the work. Opportunities do not come on our time. When they present themselves, we need to be ready!

     This new year will bring on many new opportunities. In the book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell states: "as psychologists look at the careers of the gifted, the smaller the role innate talent plays and the bigger the role preparation plays". To discover what is possible, you need to have an idea where you want to go and how you are going to get there.  This comes with preparation. If you aren't happy in your current state, do something about it. Create goals. Write it out on paper. And begin exploring new possibilities. Yes, this is going to take some work. But if you are willing to put in the work, and portray persistence and doggedness toward achieving your goals, the opportunities will eventually come in. And when that perfect opportunity knocks, you will have the presence of mind to seize it. If you don't, someone else will.

     These past few months, that Edison quote couldn't be more true for me (which is why I have been slacking with these blog posts). I have been fortunate enough to be offered a few opportunities that I couldn't pass up: the first, Junior High wrestling coach, the second, a job offer at Steel Fitness Premier in Allentown. Combine that with previous work commitments and I watched my free time slowly disappear. Over this process I have learned a few things: never become content in your current state, make yourself available for new challenges, and don't stop pursuing what you want. Three months ago I interviewed at Steel Fitness Premier. After three interviews I never heard back from them. This was after striking out at another company. I was pretty bummed. Until a month ago I saw they had another job posting. I decided to apply once again and see what happens. As it turns out, management changed (I had no clue) and they were looking for new people and offered me a job. Not getting the offer the first time was a tough blow (sorry for the lack of a better word) but after I stopped pouting, I got over it. Opportunities aren't a thing of luck. Luck is winning the lottery. Opportunities come to those who go after them and explore the possibilities. And just like Edison said, it may take a little work but in the end, you can obtain anything you want if you stay persistent!  

Hope you're staying warm and enjoying this winter weather!
Chris Fluck