‘You’ll grow into it.’ How many times did you hear this phrase from a parent during your childhood? When a new parent has to discard clothing items because a child outgrows them fast, they sometimes settle for buying items that are a bigger size than the child. If you’re that child, you don’t have a choice but to wear the outfit. If you’re lucky, you may grow into the cloth immediately. If not, you’ll get to play dress-up with it five years later.
Sometimes, opportunities present themselves like an oversized Christmas dress, but unlike your physical stature that you can’t control or speed up on a whim, you can influence your development to fit into opportunities that seem bigger than you. It’s said that if a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.’ But, in real life, there may be many reasons why you’ll choose to pass on an opportunity. One of those reasons could be because it looks too big or grand. Yet, many individuals have had their ‘lucky breaks’ simply by taking up opportunities bigger than themselves.
As you set yourself up for success in the new year, I would like you to deliberately approach opportunities through a new lens. No matter how grand it seems, you can grow into it. How?
Keep learning. What are your goals, dreams, and desires? Do you have the right skill set to bring them to life? If yes, great, upskill. If no, stop snoozing and get to work. Identify your learning gaps and proactively fill them. Keep in mind that learning is a marathon, not a sprint, so embrace lifelong learning. There are limitless platforms to learn anything. Google is your friend. Use it.
Network and be part of the right communities. I hear about many new concepts, ideas, and ways of doing things in the most random conversations. Casual gist can provide a prompt that sends me on a full-blown learning journey. How much more deliberate conversations? These are a gold mine. So diversify your connections, make sure your circle is inspiring and committed to growth, be part of conversations.
Innovate and experiment. The world has so evolved that as an individual, you can experiment on your own. Start projects and finish them, and take learnings. Experiments could be small things like writing a book or article, starting that podcast, leading a training, volunteering in a new sphere of experience. Some people have done what you want to do, so search for them, study their approaches and reapply. Also, don’t be afraid of failure. This may sound like an overused cliché, but it’s a valuable truth.
Accept opportunities. After all your dreaming and preparation, and that thing you desire finally knocks at your door, invite it in and offer it a plate of steaming hot Jollof rice.
Have fun. Yes, I said it. Not everything has to be a battle. Keep your energy up and enjoy your journey.
Opportunities may not come tailor-fitted, but you can grow to fit.
Did you find this interesting and helpful? Drop a comment below about what you look forward to in the coming year.
Cheers!
Simi Joel 