As human beings we have unlimited potential and can, if we choose to, soar to heights never even imagined before, but we have to believe in ourselves and our own capabilities. Once we become aware of our own potential, natural gifts and purpose, many of us will start to search for opportunities that will allow us to reach our dreams and make them a reality.

However, knowing one’s unique gifts and life purpose is not a guarantee for success. Finding the right opportunity still requires hard work and preparation, which can sometimes take us years before we can finally grab hold of it. This is something that many people, even when they are endowed with the greatest talents, are not willing to do. It’s easier to go for the quick fix. Slogans like these are very familiar in our society today:

1. “Loose weight by just popping this pill…No exercise required!”,  
2. “Play the lotto and become an instant millionaire!”,   
3. “For easy and fast divorce proceedings, contact…”, "Want more money? Sue the doctor!”,
4. "The government will…”, etc.  

Eventually, at the end of a lifetime of unhappiness and constant yearning for that instant success, instant wealth, instant health and every other short cut or quick fix we can think of, people finally realize that they missed the point. They were so busy with the “If Only’s” in life (“If only I get this promotion”, “If only I win the lotto”, etc.), that the journey of preparing for and then finding that specific opportunity rightly designed and destined for them, got lost in the process. In fact, their opportunity passed them right in front of their eyes and they didn’t even notice it! Did this ever happen to you before? The bottom line is this – There is NO place for quick fixes and/or short cuts when you look for true success and significance!

Les Brown, renowned author, speaker and strong proponent of man’s ability to achieve the “impossible” through hard work and determination, says the following about opportunities:

"It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared for it.” 

Some good advice. The next time you look for that short cut, start preparing for an opportunity, because you might just be missing one right in front of you!