Of all the achievements and successes I’ve had – none of them fell in my lap. To some, that is the epitome of being unlucky. To me, it’s the perfect luck.
It is the Roman Philosopher, Seneca who said “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
Of a fact, preparation is a constant task in my day-to-day life. This is so, because while I can’t control opportunities – I certainly can control my preparation towards them. That way, when opportunities present themselves, I am in a state to seize them. Especially, when they align with my values and stimulate my interest for growth and development.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
Seneca
Regardless of how simple this may seem, I’ve recognized that for many – preparation isn’t prized. Instead, ‘a big break’ is relied on, day in, day out. It is hoped for, anticipated, and the longer it takes, the more frustrated one gets with waiting…around.
I wonder how much sooner that ‘big break’ would come, had preparation been a part of the equation?
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I’ve met many persons, who aspire to own and operate a vehicle – but have never read the Road Code, nor enlisted for driving lessons, nor even gone to look at nor test drive a car they like.
I’ve met many persons who wish to travel, be it regionally or internationally – yet, not a cent of monies earned nor gifted have gone towards sorting the primary document – a passport.
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Interestingly, there may be concerns about not being able to purchase a vehicle or even fund a trip abroad. Valid concerns, but the wrong mindset. What did I say about preparation? Prepare my friend. Don’t wait until the opportunity presents itself. At that point, it wants to find you ready. John Wooden puts it like this “when opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.”
When opportunity comes , it’s too late to prepare.
John Wooden
That’s where we separate the “bold” from the “boxed-in” as it relates to finding new horizons.
The “boxed-in” find excuses. Many of them valid – they are excuses that even the “bold” could legitimately conjure. The ultimate key is mindset.
No amount of external motivation can change a person’s mind, if they don’t decide – for good that they wish it to change.
My heart sinks often, when I have conversations with persons who have so much life and exuberance within them still- only to find myself slowly backing out of the conversation, because they put up an excuse, a plight, a situation at every possibility – that is preventing them from crossing over into new horizons.
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I’m always cautious not to appear insensitive, because I can imagine how real and troubling these obstacles are. I’ve had my fair share.
Still, I feel defeated – for them, that they are not yet ready, not yet prepared nor in preparation mode – for the grand opportunities they desire. Sad, that they have not yet had that mindset shift.
I remind myself in these moments of the quote that says “when the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.”
Put simply, it conveys, that there needs to be an inward readiness and receptivity by the person who is to receive guidance, resources, learning etc. Otherwise, it’s not a fruitful cause at all.
When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.
Buddha
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Final Thoughts
Be bold. Don’t box yourself in. Prepare. Use what you have and do what you can. Keep going. Your blooming season will come…again.
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