Opportunities are Like Sparks, Leaders Ignite Them, Others Tet Them Pass in a Flash.

Do you find yourself in a constant state of planning, strategizing, and waiting for the "right moment." Have you been dreaming about the perfect role, the ideal team, or the moment when your hard work will be recognized and rewarded.

A truth that may be difficult to swallow: waiting for the perfect opportunity to come your way is a passive approach that rarely yields the results you desire. Yikes!

Opportunities don’t just present themselves neatly packaged and ready for you to unwrap at your convenience. Instead, they come to pass—meaning they appear, often fleetingly, and if not seized, they move on.

The quote on today's graphic sums it up perfectly: "Opportunities come to pass, not to pause."

As a leader, you must embrace the understanding that action, not patience, is the key to capitalizing on these moments.

The Myth of the Perfect Moment

We've all been there—waiting for the stars to align, for the timing to be just right before we make our move. We tell ourselves that the perfect opportunity will come, and when it does, we'll be ready.

But the harsh reality is that "perfect" opportunities are often disguised as challenges or situations that require us to step out of our comfort zones. They rarely announce themselves with fanfare.

Instead, they demand quick, decisive action. Do it BECAUSE it's hard.

In leadership, waiting for perfection is a surefire way to miss out on growth. The idea that the "right" opportunity will come along at the "right" time is a myth that keeps us stagnant.

Opportunities are all around us, but they don't stick around for long. If you’re waiting for the perfect role to be handed to you or for someone to recognize your potential without any proactive effort on your part, you may be waiting a very long time.

Taking the Leap of Faith

What if, instead of waiting for opportunities, we created them? ??

What if we viewed every challenge, every setback, as a chance to step up and demonstrate our capabilities? This shift in mindset—from waiting to acting—can transform your career, AND your entire approach to leadership.

Taking action often requires a leap of faith (aka pushing through the fear).

It involves stepping into the unknown, making decisions with incomplete information, and trusting in your ability to adapt and learn along the way. But this is where real leadership is created; In the moments of uncertainty where true opportunities lie.

When you take that first step, you signal to yourself and to those around you that you're ready for more.

You're not waiting for permission to lead; you're taking the initiative.

And here's the secret: once you start taking action, more opportunities will start to align with your goals.

The universe (or your organization) begins to respond to your proactive approach, and suddenly, doors that seemed closed or non-existent begin to open.

You (and ONLY You) Are in Control of Your Future

The future isn't something that happens to you; it's something you create.

As a leader, you have the power to shape your destiny through your actions. Waiting for things to change, for recognition to come, or for the perfect job to land in your lap is not a strategy—it's a gamble. And don't forget, most gambles are stacked that the house wins. You don't want that.

You are in control of your future, and taking action is the only way to make things happen.

It’s not enough to have ambition or a vision; those things need to be paired with consistent, purposeful action. Ask me about micro actions, major moves!

Whether it's applying for that stretch role, speaking up in meetings, or leading a new project, taking action creates momentum. And momentum is the catalyst for opportunity.

The Time is Now

The next time you find yourself hesitating, waiting for the perfect moment or opportunity, remember this: opportunities come to pass, not to pause.

They won’t wait for you, and they won’t last forever.

If you see something that aligns with your goals, take action. Even if it feels like a leap into the unknown, trust that you have the capability to handle whatever comes next.

Leaders are not those who wait for opportunities—they are those who create them. Your future is in your hands. Don't waste time waiting for the perfect moment. The time to act is now.

So, what will you do today to create your next opportunity?

Remember, the path to success is paved with the steps you take, not the ones you wait for.

Feeling excited? Contact me for that nudge you need to get moving!