Have you ever noticed that some people always seem to be in the right place at the right time? They consistently have new opportunities and chances to get ahead. Sometimes it is a matter of luck, like winning concert tickets on the radio. But other times, their success cannot be based on chance alone, especially when it comes to something like getting a promotion at work or being chosen to take advantage of a new opportunity. How do they do that? I would argue that when it comes to being in the right place at the right time, it is more about positioning yourself than it is fortunateness. Consistently being in the right place at the right time when you are trying to get ahead professionally is a matter of discipline. It takes intentionality to be one of these people. Some people have mastered the art of positioning themselves. I have noticed that people who do this well have at least four things in common. These four things enable them to position themselves for greatness. If you want to learn how to consistently be in the right place at the right time, here are four disciplines you need to implement.
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Prepare.
Being in the right place at the right time is not simply a matter of proximity. It doesn’t matter what situation you find yourself in if you aren’t prepared to make the most of it. Imagine with me for a moment that you receive the opportunity to have lunch with the leader of your organization. He wants to hear new ideas about ways you can improve the quality of work your team is producing; if he likes your ideas, he will give you the opportunity to implement them on a large scale. Are you ready for that conversation? Do you have answers to his questions? Being in the right place at the right time won’t do you any good if you don’t have anything to say. Be prepared for new opportunities to arise.
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Shadow.
Be willing to serve. If you want to learn from the best, you can’t be afraid to be an intern or start at the bottom. We often tell young people first entering their careers that they will probably spend some time getting coffee for their boss and making copies. While there may not be a lot of glory in that kind of a role, it is important because it may give an opportunity to get your foot in the door. Don’t be afraid to start small. You will learn more than you ever imagined when you humble yourself and serve those around you.
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Be consistent.
As my father-in-law would say, “You can’t kill a deer if you’re not in the woods.” Show up every day and show up well. When it comes to being in the right place at the right time, the place is more important than the timing. Based on probability alone, you’ll eventually get your shot. But that opportunity will only come around if you are consistently in the right place. You might get discouraged or bored waiting for your chance, but you can’t allow those things to hinder your consistency. Work hard and be consistent; positive results from those two things are inevitable.
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Take a shot.
You’ve prepared, you’ve waited, and you’ve been consistent; now it’s time to take a chance. Maybe the opportunity comes as you speak up in a meeting or propose a new idea; whatever it looks like, however, you’ve got to recognize it and then act. Hesitation is the enemy in these moments. Take a chance and watch as all of your hard work pays off.
