Happy Tuesday! Today’s quote is:

“Nothing is so often and so irrevocably missed as the opportunity which crops up daily.” (Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach)

The thing that struck me about this quote is how often we can miss what is right in front of us. It’s not just opportunities but things that we just don’t think to question because it is so normal to us.

Our brain may highlight something that is out of the norm, causing us to consciously notice it. However, we may overlook the things that blend into the background.

In what can seem our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to overlook the small, seemingly insignificant moments that present themselves each day. We get caught up in the routines and demands of daily life, often failing to pause and consider the possibilities that lie within each moment. Yet, as Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach reminds us, these daily opportunities, however subtle they may seem, can have a profound impact on our lives if we’re willing to recognize and seize them.

Consider the moments in your own life where you may have missed opportunities simply because you were too preoccupied or distracted to notice them. Perhaps it was a chance encounter with a potential mentor, a new idea that sparked your curiosity, or a small act of kindness that went unnoticed. These missed opportunities may seem insignificant at the time, but they could have led to new paths, insights, or connections if only we had been more attentive.

This isn’t a post to give you yet another opportunity to mentally beat yourself up – many of us are already very good at that and I’m going to invite you to give yourself a break about that. So, how can we become more attuned to the opportunities that crop up daily? By slowing down and being present in each moment, as best you can, we can train ourselves to notice the subtle cues and possibilities that surround us.

You’ve probably noticed that when you’re feeling pressured, when your brain is busy overthinking and stressed, then your focus is elsewhere and it’s easy to miss small and regular details. When you’re more present it may mean being open to new experiences, being curious about the world around us, and being willing to step outside of our comfort zones.

Additionally, being open to challenge our assumptions and question the status quo can make a difference. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only way or the best way. By questioning the norms and exploring alternative perspectives, we create space for innovation and growth.

Ultimately, embracing the opportunities that present themselves daily requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks. It means being open to the unknown and trusting in our ability to adapt and learn from each experience. So, as you go about your day today, I encourage you to keep an eye out for those subtle opportunities that may be waiting just around the corner. Who knows what possibilities they may hold?

This quote is a powerful reminder of the opportunities we often overlook in our daily lives. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and ignore the chances that life provides us to grow, learn, and make a difference, however small it might be. Let’s make an effort to seize those moments, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Remember, every opportunity is a stepping stone towards creating a better version of ourselves and a brighter future. Have a wonderful day everyone!

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

As an experienced coach and trainer Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.