While we stop to think,
we often miss our opportunity.

- Publilius Syrus

ou never know when something unexpected and positive will pop into your life. But if you are entirely focused on accomplishing the tasks at hand, you run the risk of not recognizing new solutions to challenges when they appear. Your guardian angel could be down the hall, and you might not know it.

For example, you may have a really busy period coming up. You know it will be tough, and you wish your to-do list were just a bit shorter. Then you meet someone looking for a mentor.

You may be tempted to immediately rule out the mentoring project, believing you are already overcommitted. But, could filling this neophyte colleague's need also fill a need of yours? Could this be what you are seeking, without even knowing it?

Perhaps this is a chance for you to contribute to your industry by helping someone develop professionally, while you also get a dedicated assistant who (with a little guidance) can help you meet your obligations. If you always think only of shortening your list, you may miss boons such as this.

Or, you may have landed a new job. Your top priorities are likely to be getting settled, finding new clients and getting to know how things work day in, day out.

If co-workers come by your office to introduce themselves, you may appreciate the welcome but secretly prefer to spend your time getting settled.

Before you give visitors the brushoff, consider the potential benefits of enjoying their company. For example, let's say you're interrupted by a co-worker while familiarizing yourself with a company software program that is new and confusing to you.

During the ensuing conversation, you learn of a seminar for beginning users of the program. You also learn a skilled co-worker is willing to work with you. You would never have known about these resources if you hadn't taken the time to talk with your new colleague.

Take off your blinders

We can all probably remember something that turned out great for us, but when we were in the moment, we weren't able to see the possibilities.

Maybe your car got totaled, but in the end, you purchased a new car and signed the dealer as a new client.

There's no better time than this moment to lift your head from your paperwork, get your fingers off your keyboard and notice the bounty that surrounds you.

Here are some tips to help you welcome unexpected opportunities that arise:

· Keep an open mind. When something appears to be an intrusion, pause and consider the potential of what is occurring (count to 10 if you have to) before you decide how to proceed.

· Accentuate the positive. Appreciate what you have rather than dwell on what you lack.

· Look at the big picture. View events from a larger perspective than simply how they immediately affect you and your world.

Boost other people, too

Now, let's revisit the giving side of the coin. When you not only open yourself to unexpected assistance, but also become an angel of opportunity for others, you complete a satisfying circle of achievement. Here are a few tips:

· Offer to help people. Do this even if they don't ask for it directly. If you see someone floundering, help.

· When providing guidance, consider all options. Don't censor someone else's choice by believing you know what's best.

· Ask for nothing in return. You will get your reward later. Some call it karma; others call it just doing the right thing.

So, charge full-steam ahead toward your goals. But remember to step back and notice alternative avenues to fulfillment that may surprise you along the way. The rewards will be immeasurable.