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Can we talk about that “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for a moment?
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a unique chance that appears unlikely to repeat due to specific circumstances, timing, or access — but the phrase is often marketing language designed to create urgency rather than genuine scarcity. True rare opportunities combine alignment with your values, realistic risk assessment, and timing that genuinely won’t recur, not just the feeling of pressure to decide quickly.
We hear this a lot, and it’s all really exciting, but I want to pick it apart a little bit.
“Once-in-a-lifetime” things are electric. They give us butterflies in our stomachs. They feel as though, if we play our cards just right, we will go places and experience things that we couldn’t otherwise.
Thus, we feel compelled to say yes to:
- that job,
- that project,
- this risk,
- that trip,
- that guy/girl,
- that client, etc.
… all because they are “once-in-a-lifetime opportunities”.
After we say yes, we enter into these situations with an incredible amount of pressure. We tell ourselves, “You’d better make this count! ” or “If you screw this up, there’s no recovery! ” But who can perform well under that kind of pressure? And if (heaven forbid) it doesn’t work out, there can be all kinds of regret about missing out, loosing out, or messing things up. After all, it’s called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” because it only happens once, right? This intense mindset can create a selffulfilling prophecy explained by our own fears and doubts. We might start to sabotage our efforts, convinced that we won’t meet the expectations we’ve set for ourselves. Embracing the possibility of imperfection, however, can free us from that pressure and open up the way for genuine growth and unexpected outcomes.
Well, here’s the deal: That “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” is not what we tend to think it is. I’m learning more and more that life doesn’t work like that.
Sure (don’t get me wrong), there certainly are opportunities that are incredibly unique and distinct in their particular flavor; there may not ever be another other like it.
But when we talk about “once-in-a-lifetime” it is often in a fatalistic and singular way, as if it’s the only way to get from point A to point B. We think that between where we are and what we want to go is a chasm which only this “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity bridges.
The “once-in-a-lifetime” event at hand, whatever it may be, is only one of many ways across. It may be the most obvious, most present, and the most appealing right now, but it’s almost certainly not the only way to get where we want to go.
So take the risk when it makes sense.
It it doesn’t work out, know that (as the saying goes), “there’s more than one way to skin a cat.” (Gross, but true.) So let’s keep moving forward.
What is your experience with once in a lifetime opportunities? How have you found other ways forward when one passes by?
How do I know if an opportunity is truly once-in-a-lifetime?
Evaluate whether the specific combination of factors (timing, people, access, resources) is genuinely unrepeatable. Be skeptical of artificial urgency — true rare opportunities withstand thoughtful consideration. Ask: “If this didn’t happen, would I truly never encounter something similar?”
What if I regret not taking a big opportunity?
Regret is possible with any decision, but research shows we regret inaction more than action over time. Consider: does this opportunity align with your values and long-term direction? If yes, the risk of regret from not trying may outweigh the risk of it not working out.
Should I drop everything for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
Not necessarily. Consider what you’re sacrificing — some costs are too high regardless of opportunity quality. Evaluate the true timeline for decision-making and whether you can pursue this without completely abandoning your current path. Rarely is something so time-sensitive that thoughtful consideration isn’t possible.
How do I stop feeling FOMO about opportunities I passed up?
Recognize that every choice closes some doors while opening others. Instead of ruminating on what you didn’t choose, actively engage with the path you did choose. Journal about what you’re learning and experiencing as a result of your actual decisions.
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