There are numerous statements about opportunity, such as:
Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.
Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them
Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

However, have you ever just sat back and thought about missed opportunities? Have you thought about the opportunities you have taken and regretted them? A while ago, I wrote about having the power within oneself to say no. For more on that, feel free to read my "Learning to say no" post. I've found that more often than not, I'm okay with looking back at missed opportunities and not regretting the choices I've made. In most of these cases, I know that the opportunity I passed up was ultimately not what I needed or required at that time in my life. Whether it was working on an additional project, taking on another course, donating my free time, learning a new skill or other amazing opportunity - I'm okay with knowing I didn't take on that responsibility for a particular reason.
For those situations where I think, man.... "that could have been mine" or "that could have been me," I calm myself by knowing it wasn't my time. The person who got that opportunity was better prepared or needed it more than myself. If I'm being honest, I really don't have many of these scenarios. I normally say "no" to the opportunity and then never look back...
However, I'm currently faced with one that I'm just not sure if I can pass up. I've weighed the pros and cons. I've discussed with those closest to me about the opportunity. My gut is telling me to jump on it and take advantage of this. It would be a major switch in gears for me. I'm not sure if I'm ready for something as major as this. This is one situation where I'm not sure I would be okay with the missed chance. It would be a risky move and there is a chance it could blow up in my face... but is the risk worth it?
While I realize that I'm not the only one who have faced a situation like this, I am looking for some guidance. How do you all deal with situations like this? Is there anything you have regretted for not doing?
Until next time,
-h