Everyone loves the thrill of an unexpected professional opportunity landing in their lap. But what if those opportunities are sparse? Do we sit idly, twiddling our thumbs, waiting for the next one? Absolutely not.

Instead of passively waiting for opportunities to come to us, it’s essential to adopt a proactive mindset. By identifying gaps, seeking out new challenges and continually updating our skills, we can position ourselves in places where opportunities are more likely to arise. Remember, the best way to predict the future is to create it.

It’s time to be proactive and create our own opportunities. Here’s how.

1. The Power of Self-Initiation: When conferences don’t reach out, I’ve learned the art of pivoting. Instead of feeling dejected, I turn the tables by hosting my own webinars. I’m creating my own opportunities. And why shouldn’t you? If there’s a message you’re passionate about, a topic you’re an expert in, share it! Your audience is waiting.

2. The Webinar Magic Doesn’t End When You Hit ‘Stop’: Once your webinar is over, the real magic begins. Think about it; you’ve just created a lot of great content. This isn’t just a fleeting hour-long session; it’s raw material waiting to be transformed. Break it down into shorter video clips, blog posts, podcast episodes and social media content. Every recorded session is a treasure trove of potential content, a gift that can indeed keep on giving.

3. Extend Your Reach: Beyond webinars, writing articles and submitting them to trade associations can greatly help build your brand and subject matter expertise. It not only positions you as an authority in your field but also broadens your audience.

4. Dive into the Podcast World: Podcasts are popular, and for a good reason. They provide a platform for in-depth discussions, storytelling and expert insights. So, why not pitch yourself as a guest? Sharing your expertise or story on a podcast can amplify your voice like never before.

5. Carpe Diem, Especially in the Summer!: Summer typically means more free time. Instead of just relaxing, use this time to bolster your marketing efforts. Whether it’s brainstorming new content ideas, researching places to submit your work or networking with industry peers, use this downtime effectively.

Putting This Into Practice

The power of proactive behavior cannot be overemphasized in our personal or professional life. Adopting a proactive mindset shifts the narrative – it’s about taking control, anticipating events and being prepared for both challenges and opportunities – while being in the driver’s seat. It’s empowering and scary but worth it. Think about the following:

• Taking Initiative: Embracing proactive behavior means you don’t wait for others to provide solutions or dictate the next steps. You become the driving force, researching, asking questions, seeking out resources and formulating plans.

• Setting Clear Goals: Clarity in direction is vital. Define what you want, set clear, measurable goals and then chart a course to achieve them. This ensures that your proactive steps are aligned with a larger vision.

• Networking: Building and nurturing relationships can open doors and provide insights that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. By actively reaching out and staying connected, you’re creating more opportunities and potential collaborations.

• Continuous Learning: The world is dynamic and ever-evolving. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning allows you to stay updated, relevant and prepared. It ensures that you’re not just reacting to change but are ahead of the curve.

• Seek Feedback: While proactive behavior involves taking the lead, it’s also essential to gather feedback. Whether from mentors, peers or self-reflection, feedback provides valuable insights and course corrections.

• Avoiding Complacency: Complacency can be a significant barrier to progress. Celebrate your achievements, but remain hungry for growth. Always ask, “What’s next?” and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

• Embracing Resilience: Not every proactive step will lead to immediate success. There will be setbacks and challenges. Resilience ensures that you learn, adapt and continue moving forward, refining your strategies and approach.

Opportunities often require proactive action rather than passive waiting. Instead of hoping for the right chance to come along, consider creating it yourself. When faced with a stagnant moment, ask, “What proactive step can I take today to help get me where I want to go?” Now, think about what you want. Will you wait for an opportunity, or will you create one?