Stop for a moment and think about what you would consider to be your opportunity of a lifetime. If that opportunity were to knock on your door today, would you be prepared to take full advantage of it? Or, would your dream opportunity create a mad dash to set your house in order--lose weight, get your finances in order, seek professional training, clear out clutter, create time and space?
One of the primary reasons people miss out on opportunities is because they're not prepared. When a couple decides to have a baby, they don't just sit around talking about it. They get busy! Of course, a necessary part of preparation is conception. After conception takes place, the couple begins preparing for their expected arrival. They prepare the nursery, select names and attend baby showers--all part of the preparation process. After nine months they welcome their new bundle of joy. They don't wait until the baby arrives and then erupt into a panic about the major details.
Why is preparation so important? Here are three key reasons:
1. Preparation creates optimum experience. You can impact the outcome of your experience if you prepare in advance. As a nation, America was not ready for September 11, 2001. Of course, today we are on high alert. We have beefed up security and have since instituted a homeland security commission. Furthermore, we were not ready for Hurricane Katrina. According to reports, it was predicted long beforehand that those levees would break if they were not fortified. Allegedly, that warning went unheeded and we saw what happened. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20. There's an old adage that goes, "expect the best, plan for the worst and prepare to be surprised."
2. Preparation gives you an advantage. It would not be wise to go on a job interview without any prior knowledge about the company or industry. When asked a question, you'd likely sit there with a deer-in-the-headlights look on your face. Heaven forbid if you blurted out, "Well, I really don't know. I hadn't given it much thought." Not only would you not get the job, but it would probably be a very short interview! When you're prepared, you're more confident, and confidence is like a magnet. It draws and engages people.
3. Preparation helps to eliminate fear. That's why we have burglar bars and alarm systems installed in our home. They make us feel safe. On a more personal note, you might find yourself in a situation where you're a bit nervous about a presentation you're about to make -- that's not uncommon. But if you do not take the time to prepare in advance, you would probably be a nervous wreck.
The best opportunities are reserved for those who will take the time to prepare themselves. If you have a passion or dream that you expect to come to life, I encourage you to begin acting like it! Begin preparing in the direction of that desire in your heart so that when it's your time, all you'll need to do is step into the moment! Abraham Lincoln said, "I will prepare and someday my chance will come."
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**As an entrepreneur, author, speaker and coach, my mission is to provide expert solutions to people all across the nation and internationally. I collaborate with individuals and entrepreneurs to confront their challenges and achieve transformative results. To receive a complimentary download of, "Ten Fundamental Truths You Must Believe to Manifest Your Dream!" visit http://www.rebecca-mcclain.com