I got invited to fly out and speak at a Techstars event in Abu Dhabi in two weeks.
But that's the least important part of this article.
The most important part of this article is the fact that I was willing to ask a connection of mine for a referral to a meeting, which turned into the introduction to the two power women who run Techstars Abu Dhabi at the Hub71 incubator, who then asked me on my first call with them if I was available November 18th to come speak on the topic of scaling.
I'm going to have to say no, only because of my schedule, but I'll end up going sometime in 2025 for another date.
The point of this article is I was willing to make the ask, and I was willing to put myself out there for more.
I was willing to stay up late and meet at the end of an already long day when others would say they were too tired.
I was willing to ask for the intro when others would feel like they didn't want to bother someone.
I was willing to showcase my value on the call when others may be too casual with their credentials.
I was willing to ask for the opportunity to be involved with a group of people I was meeting for the first time.
And you can do this too. Anyone can do this.
I don't have any special set of skills that nobody else has. I don't have superior intelligence — in fact, I barely graduated college.
In fact, guys like me are a dime a dozen. If you go onto LinkedIn today, you'll find thousands of so-called "Career coaches," "Consultants," or people who proclaim that they can change your life and your career and help make you better. They're everywhere.
In the scheme of it all, I'm no different than the rest of them.
But here is where it all changes for me, and it can change for you.
I have no fear when it comes to making new connections.
I have no fear when it comes to trying new things.
I have no fear when it comes to putting myself out there and being vulnerable with others.
I have no fear when it comes to the relentless pursuit of goal achievement.
I have no fear when it comes time to perform.
And I have no fear of rejection.
I possess nothing special, though, as everyone has the ability.
But I'm willing to do the things that all can do and most won't do.
So the next time you complain about not getting opportunities, or you desire more or are thinking about how to progress, all you have to ask yourself is:
"Am I willing to do the things that most won't do in order to succeed?"
And thank you to my friend Gui in Dubai for the connections.