When opportunity knocks …
One of Walt’s Rules is “When Opportunity Knocks, Answer the Door”. One aspect of this rule is that, when you say YES and open the door, behind that door lie other opportunities that you would otherwise not know about.
During last Thursday’s Stand Up and Speak Up radio show, the importance of this rule hit me. If I hadn’t applied this rule back in August of 2006, when I joined Toastmasters, I wouldn’t be training with my guest and fitness trainer, Jesika Fleming. And Jesika isn’t a Toastmaster.
What???
For most of my life, I was a “say NO first” guy. My fear of something new kept me in a box most of the time. In 2006, circumstances convinced me to reconsider joining Toastmasters (fifteen years before, I had said NO). This time I said YES. Opportunity knocked and I answered the door.
Saying YES to Toastmasters opened the door to many, many opportunities. Since then, I have been saying YES almost all the time. Let me explain the series of doors I opened, to meet and train with Jesika.
I joined Toastmasters → I went to the Toastmasters International Convention in August of 2011 → I attended Craig Duswalt’s educational session → I attended his Rockstar Marketing Bootcamp → I joined Craig’s Mastermind → I read fitness trainer Bobby Kelly’s book, which he gave to all the Mastermind attendees → I talked to Bobby and asked him about my intention to start walking in August of 2012, when I was to retire.
At the time, I was 6’1” and weighed-in north of 280 pounds. He looked me in the eye and said, “Why can’t you start walking now?” And I couldn’t tell him the lies I told myself. When I returned from the Mastermind, I started walking and eating a little better and was losing about two pounds a week.
Now, hold that thought as I follow another thread.
I joined Toastmasters → I took improv classes → I took a sketch writing class → I performed in sketch comedy show in November of 2012 → I went to the after-party → I talked to Jesika at the party.
I found out Jesika is a fitness trainer who specializes in broken down old men (my description, not hers). Then, I said YES to the opportunity to train with Jesika because, after walking for six months, I was ready to step up my fitness improvements.
Behind every door are multiple doors. When opportunity knocks, don’t be afraid to open the door. Following this philosophy has made an incredible impact in my life. Following this philosophy can have a positive impact in your life, too.
