Being prepared: Give yourself the opportunity to walk through the ‘door of opportunity’

Being prepared is an essential element of success. Being prepared has allowed me to walk through so many doors of opportunities that were opened for me. Some times I get asked the age-old-question, “how did I become successful?” My response to this question comes in many forms, but one of them is inevitably I was prepared. A lot of times, we wait on some one to tell us how to prepare e.g., how to answer interview questions for a job, which areas of a subject we should study, etc. However, I think we should make up in our minds on how to prepare for the opportunities that may not be as straightforward as studying for a chemistry exam. This way of thinking takes a level of strategic foresight, creativity and self-discipline to accomplish a certain level of success in any particular field.

Strategic foresight allows one to see the future and adjust to the upcoming changes. Creativity allows you to make those changes in a way that may not pop-out at you at front glance. Self-discipline allows you to stay the course regardless of the last minute changes in life such as the real-estate market, declining health changes, etc.

All in all, being prepared gives you the opportunity to walk through the “door of opportunity.” Here is a parable given during the movie, Facing the Giants, that I used in teaching an international course.

Prepare your Fields for Rain

I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain. Both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out and prepared his fields to receive it. Which one do you think trusted God to send the rain?

Which one are you? God will send the rain when He is ready. You need to prepare your field to receive it.

I like to take this parable a step further by asking the question, which farmer will receive more at the end of the season? The answer would still be same. Focusing on the positives and preparing for the opportunity will help you reap greater benefits than some one who isn’t prepared. For me, this analogy was simple mathematics. If you prepare a resume for a job interview months ahead of time, you don’t have to worry about creating one at the last minute in which we all know last-minute projects aren’t all that well put together. So take the time out now to revamp yourself for the successful opportunities to come.

~ Dr. Ronnie O'Brien Rice