Being Prepared

How many of us go through life just flowing the with currents? We say, "whatever" or " if it was meant to be it will be". While a great sentiment, with most businesses they really are just excuses. Face it, if you are not ready when opportunity arrives, then you just added time to your 'making it'.

I can hear you now. "You are being too tough" or "You can't control outcomes". I would say phooey on that.

Let's start with "You are being too tough". Come on! Do you want to succeed or not? Life is constantly offering you chances. Do you take them, or do you even see them? Say you are in line at the coffee shop. You are in your own little world, not even aware of what is around you. Maybe you are rehearsing what you will say to your significant other to get you off the hook for something you did. Or maybe you are planning what you will say to your boss to get him to give you a raise. There are many chances to connect with people and you are missing out. It helps to know what you know, but it really helps with who you know. I am not saying to connect with people just to use them, but I am saying that when you connect with others it moves you closer to your goal. You never know when the next person you meet is the one who, in there own way, helps you to take the next step in the direction you are trying to get to. So no, I am not being too 'tough'.

Moving on to "You can't control outcomes." Please, I know you cannot control others, but you can control the outcome. The outcome is how you perceive the results. If you think you have failed, then you haven't learned a thing. Failure is simply the next step to success. Let's use the actor audition process as an example. The actor prepares, gives a terrific audition, but does not get the part. Did they fail. NO! They didn't get the part, but while at the audition they have made additional contacts, learned what works or doesn't work in certain situations. They may even have impressed the producer/director so much they will be remembered and maybe they will get called for something else. The key is to control how you see the events. Learn every chance you get. Let's face it, life can be unpredictable, but it also offers many unpredictable chances. Are you prepared to catch or even be aware of them.

So always be prepared. Be prepared to meet and connect with people. Enjoy the process of learning to get from here to there. When you walk out, plan to make an impression. I have found one of the best ways in life to get to where I want to go, is head in that direction and be prepared for the opportunities that present themselves along the way.