The document discusses how to recognize and create opportunities for success. It explains that opportunities do not just appear, but rather we must create space for our dreams. It provides an example of how the author was able to get on a popular podcast by first being an engaged customer, then posting a testimonial video when asked. This led to other opportunities like connections with other influencers. The key takeaways are to be aware of potential opportunities, add value to interactions with others, and help others to help yourself find opportunities. Success comes from preparation meeting opportunity.

2. We all have dreams, the plans for the life we always wanted but haven’t quite attained.
Maybe you dream about having a different job or making more money. Maybe you want to
become a famous actor and imagine being a star. Seeing other people achieve their dreams
fills you with questions. Why did it work for them? What’s the difference between us?
One key factor is opportunities for success. A lot of people think these just appear—that
offers are going to fall into your lap. That’s just not reality, though. Sometimes opportunities
are handed to us but most of the time, we need to create space for our dreams to come true.
When I was starting out, I dreamed of being featured on Entrepreneur on Fire. John Lee
Dumas has a huge following and getting that kind of exposure was critically important. And
one day, I heard from him. I was a guest on his podcast and that has opened numerous doors
for me.
How did I get this chance? What made the opportunity into reality for me?
I started out as another satisfied customer. I bought The Freedom Journal as a tool to help
me meet my goal of booking 10 speaking engagements in 100 days. With the help of this
handy book, I crushed my goal in just 50. It was so helpful to me, I joined Dumas’s Facebook
group dedicated to the success of the journal.

3. After awhile, I saw that Dumas was looking for testimonials about the success of his product.
I took a shot and posted a one minute video. He liked it so much he featured me on his
podcast. Things only grew from there. Other people heard me on the show and found
inspiration in my message. Another motivational speaker reached out to me on LinkedIn and
we were able to connect in person. We made an excellent professional connection and now
he’s going to be an influencer in my upcoming productivity guide.
How can you recognize an opportunity and create your own pathways to success?
First, you have to be aware. Chances are you’ve accidentally passed up an opportunity in the
last week because you weren’t expecting it. Connections often pop up where you least
expect them. I didn’t get to be on Dumas’ podcast by accident. I followed his professional
presence and took the opportunity to connect when it came up. Without that, things
wouldn’t have fallen into place.
Another important factor is making sure you add value when you engage with others. This
doesn’t mean only looking at your own accomplishments. Take the spotlight off of yourself
and look at the people around you. What would be beneficial to them? How can you help
them meet a need or achieve one of their goals? Opportunities to help others often turn into
opportunities to improve yourself.
If opportunities just fell out of the sky, we would all be a lot closer to achieving our dreams. It
doesn’t happen by magic. Success comes at the intersection of preparation and opportunity.
Keeping yourself aware of chances to meet your goals will help you ensure future success. It’s
up to you to create the opportunities you need to be successful.
Source: Possess Your Success