Why Have I Been Left Behind?

In times like this when there is a rapid rate of change in the world, one would wonder why anyone will not commit to increased efficiency to maximise the opportunities that abound.

A number of professionals have envisioned the future but have missed on its benefits for many reasons more than one.

In this article, I identify the reasons we miss out on the opportunities that change bring to us.

1. Character Challenge. If you will not develop your character, you will not be called upon to partake of great benefits. No one truly wants to associate with a person of flawed character. Your character is the ambassador of your competence. You must evolve ethics that define your values and philosophy. People want to be able to tell where you can stand in a dilemma.
2. Content Challenge. We have been told that the empty barrel makes the louder noise. Many people have not been able to make the most of the moment because they don't really have anything to offer. Those who don't come to the table with value will be left out of the conversation of great feats. Commit yourself to a life of service and it will present you with areas where you need to go and develop skills that will enhance your worth before others.
3. Capacity Challenge. Opportunities come in sizes. A number of people have not been able to do much with the opportunity presented to them simply because they don't have the wherewithal to execute them. You can build your capacity by leveraging on other people's strengths and resources. Having the ability to do work is not enough, being able to manage the pressure that comes with the work is another thing entirely.
4. Communication Challenge. If you don't know how to express yourself, you will be left behind. Communication is the vehicle for conveying your ideas, thoughts, and intentions. It is the channel by which you convince people to join your cause and follow your course. If you will not be able to articulate your vision, you won't be able to enlist supporters loyal to your aspirations. They will leave you.
5. Courage Challenge. Success happens to the bold and not the timid. The world is filled with stories of people who rose against all odds to become great today. There will always be obstacles on your way. There will always be hurdles to cross. Your ability to move in spite of these challenges is a signal for people to commit their faith in your care. If you are daring, you will increase your chances of victory. Dr. David Oyedepo once said "what you don't confront, you cannot conquer." Victory lies in the hands of the bold.
6. Clarity Challenge. A life of ambiguity is a life of missed chances. If you will not have something definite to pursue and be clear about the objectives and expected outcomes, you will be left behind. Napoleon Hill says the first step in the science of personal achievement is having a definite chief purpose. Zig Ziglar admonished that one should not be a wandering generality but a meaningful specific. If you are in doubt, you will be out!
7. Connection Challenge. Relationships matter a lot. If you will be able to make and build great relationships, you will make a huge difference in life. Many are stranded because they don't know the value of inquiries on their journey. No one knows it all. Asking others for help is not a sign of weakness rather it is an indication of pride and arrogance. The best way to build and nurture relationships is to add value to people. Collaborate with people to do great things and they will remember you for the territories you helped them to conquer.

Final Word

If you will not be invited to the table in a place where you have a stake, then you are on the menu. Don't be left behind on the opportunities that abound, endeavour to develop your character, bring value to the table, be a problem solver, expand your capacity, communicate effectively, be daring with a lot of certainty about your pursuit, and build relationships.

OAO