How to seize an opportunity

Hey there, it’s been a minute. I’ve been reworking several things. Doing so has made me realize how often I don’t grab the brass ring. Usually, I didn’t even see it.

These missed opportunities feel like a gut punch. They haunt you. (One of my favorite poems, S. Silverstein's “The one who stayed,” is directly about this. Here’s me reading it.)

So today, I'll show you how never to miss an opportunity again.

Most people struggle to capture opportunities because they aren't present to see them and don't know what they want. You've got to see the brass ring and recognize you love brass before you can grab it.

In this newsletter, you will:

⛰️Get present to see opportunity

🧭Clarify what you want so you can see opportunity

✨Bring it all together into the moment

⛰️Get present to see opportunity

Opportunities come and go every day.

Ronald Wayne was the third co-founder of Apple. But 12 days in, he sold his 10% stake for $800.00. His worry about potential debt cost him $201 billion worth of Apple shares today.

If your mind is stuck in the past or the future, you miss them. Sometimes, we get so anxious about finding the right thing that we overlook what's right in front of us. We worry about what others will think or fear failure. This blinds us to the opportunities right in front of our eyes. This is especially true when we value security, as we tend to avoid anything that feels threatening.

Stay engaged with what's happening around you. You can spot opportunities that align with your desires when you're present. Here’s one some great techniques

🧭Carify what you want

Many people miss out on exciting opportunities because they lack clarity about what they truly want. They get caught up in the uncertainty of the present moment. But you can be different!

Studies have shown a strong connection between seizing opportunities, dealing with ambiguity, and being proactive. In a study of 204 employees, Adam Grant and colleagues found that when things were confusing and people valued security, they were less likely to take action. However, they were more likely to seize opportunities when they focused on helping the greater good.

Clearly define what you want and what it looks like in your life. Understand the things that matter to you the most:

✨Bring what you want into the moment

Here is how we put it all together:

Breathe: Take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. It helps you slow down and be more aware of the present moment.

Connect with your body: Pay attention to how your body feels. Being in touch with your physical sensations helps you stay grounded and focused.

Connect with your intent: Think about what you truly want. What brings you alive? Being clear about your intentions helps you align your actions with your goals.

Embrace the power of being present. When you know what you want and stay engaged in the moment, you can seize the opportunities that come your way. Remember, you have the agency to shape your path and make things happen!

Keep rocking those dreams!

-Drew

P.S. Let me know how you thought this newsletter was.