On the first day of class, the professor held up a textbook. "If anyone still needs the book for this course, I have an extra copy. Come down during the break and let my TA know. We'll raffle it off at the end."
This was from my first university class: Abnormal Psychology. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew enough not to buy textbooks ahead of time. Let's see if we even use them. When I heard that announcement, I made a mental note. Looked like it might be my lucky day.
The professor went on to explain the syllabus, grading structure, and expectations. Typical first day routine, I suppose. Class was a 3-hour weekly lecture that ran from 7 to 10pm. It wasn't bad though. The professor was a quirky fellow. Reminded me of Robin Williams in the movie Patch Adams.
Halfway through, he decided we needed a break. I made a beeline to the front and informed the TA that I'd like to enter the raffle for the book. She wrote down my name, I thanked her, and class resumed.
An hour later, the professor wrapped up his lecture with a crescendo: "What then is normal behavior?!" I don't think anybody answered him. It was late, and we were all confused. He called the TA over and asked her for the list of students who wanted the textbook. It's time for the drawing.
As it turned out, I was the only one who had expressed interest. So I won by default. Saved me at least 50 bucks. But imagine that. In a lecture hall of 200 students, nobody else had gone up during the break.
Now some students might not have cared for the textbook. Others probably forgot about it. And still others might've thought: "I never win these things." I don't know the reason.
But that night I learned a valuable lesson: If you want something, then go for it. Taking that first step already puts you ahead of most people. In many cases, you don't need a special skill or a rare innate ability. All you need is intentionality and initiative. This lesson has proven true time and time again.