How Many Irons Do You Have In The Fire?

Photo via Flickr

We all have dreams of where we want to be, what we want to achieve. We might be just starting out, or closing in on those dreams, but there's always a little more that can be done.

Having multiple opportunities going at once is a surefire way to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

If you ask anyone how they got to be where they are, the journey is always a winding path with seemingly unrelated opportunities coming together in ways they never imagined. 

When I look at myself, this couldn't be more true. I didn't expect to be a writer, but then I was. I didn't expect writing to give me the opportunity to speak in front of hundreds of people, but then I did. I didn't expect speaking to open doors to new relationships and connections that would help me towards my path to fostering innovation, but then it did.

Each of these activities helped to hone my skills in communication, which I didn't think would be as important as it is. Each of these activities proved to myself and others a level of commitment to projects I didn't think I had, but would need moving forward. And each of these activities opened doors to people and networks that I never knew would be so open and willing to help me in ways that I only dreamed of.

One of the best things that you can do for yourself and your future is to not limit what you participate in, what you start, or what you try to accomplish solely based on what you think is going to move you in the direction you think is best.

Yes, it's important to stay focused. But too much focus gives you tunnel vision that limits the chances that you'll see something else that can assist you.

Not everything is going to work out, and even if it does, not everything is going to work out when you want/need it to. Sometimes that project you're relying on won't be there right when you expect it. Or that perfect job opportunity will take a little while before it actually pans out.

Having multiple "irons" in the fire allows you to keep moving and experience a constant series of small wins. Every few days something positive happens, keeping you going through all of the "failures" and disappointments that will inevitably come up.

And persistence and dedication is the key success.

- Ryan