Recognize Opportunity

Opportunity is a fascinating concept. To understand it, you must recognize that opportunity is not a desire or expectation. Dreams arise from our hearts, but opportunities occur when you put in hard work and effort, prove your capabilities, and earn the trust of others.

When opportunity knocks, it is not a free handout. It is a gift—a chance to showcase your dedication and perseverance. Opportunity is earned and deserved but it involves commitment and an expectation that you will step outside your comfort zone and rise to the occasion.

Be Thankful

So many people have given me opportunities in my martial art and positivity journey. They saw my unwavering effort and hard work and they believed in me. One day, I was a martial art instructor at a YMCA in a small town in Florida and it seemed the next I was featured in books, magazines and podcasts for my mission of martial arts and positivity. Truly, it was not overnight. It was years of effort and preparation that allowed others to see the gifts I wanted to share. Through their support and trust over time, I grew into the person I always aspired to be.

Each and every one of you who supports me in some way offers me the opportunity to share my vision and hope. Many of you have provided me with incredible opportunities to write professionally. These opportunities are not mere coincidences. They are the result of my continuous effort to develop myself, refine my skills and continue moving forward even when I fall backwards sometimes.

Define Your Vision

A crucial step to seizing opportunities is to define a vision and purpose for your life. These may require you to  shatter limitations, overcome obstacles and break barriers. Be ready for opportunity. Someone once told me, “Start acting now like the person you want to be tomorrow.” In other words, do everything you can do now to prepare yourself for opportunity. In fact, some opportunities will not occur unless you are ready.  Don’t wait for success to accept opportunity. Start preparing for opportunities now so when they arise, you are ready.

For me, bigger and better opportunities did not arise until I made the unwavering decision to let nothing stand in my way of sharing positive messages and my insights on martial arts.  It was through my dedication to personal growth and my commitment to my vision that doors began to open. Today, I’ve been interviewed on so many podcasts that I cannot count. I have been featured in some of the most prestigious martial art magazines. I wrote 4 books, greeting cards, have my own podcast and more. None of that happened until I said “Yes” to my vision.

Push Beyond the Difficulties

In many ways, I still feel blessed with luck. It is not just because of the opportunities that have come my way but also because I have been fortunate enough to find my way to you, part of this incredible community of like-minded individuals who appreciate and support the positive message I strive to share. No, this journey has not been easy, from social media haters, bullies and jealous people who try to undermine me.

None of that matters to me though. I know that I have made a difference and strive to continue to do so. That is what matters to me.

Embrace Opportunity

So, my friends, embrace opportunities with gratitude and humility. Continue to work hard, prove your capabilities and cultivate trust with others. Remember that opportunity is not handed to you freely. It is earned. As you define your path, continue to lift your limitations and blast through your barriers. You will begin to see the incredible opportunities that await.

xoxo

Andrea

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