Are You Ready?

 “You can claim to be surprised once; after that, you’re unprepared.”

Old Saying

 

Most of us are familiar with the Boy Scout motto, Be Prepared. Boy Scout founder Sir Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) defined it this way: “A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.” Do you know what to do when the unexpected happened? Know this: the unexpected always happens.

Successful people do not stumble on success; they prepare for it. They do not bump into opportunities to serve others; they are ready at all times to step in. Few people know more about preparing for the unexpected than former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. As the city’s mayor during the attack on the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001, he had to use all the knowledge he had in a moment. No one had ever seen a disaster like this, nor did we ever expect it, but Mayor Giuliani and his team wasted no time getting into action.

In his book Leadership, Mayor Giuliani said, “Your success will be determined by your ability to prepare.” You cannot allow yourself to get lost in the thinking that says, “Prepared for what?  What do I prepare for?” Being prepared is not a step-by-step list of what to do in a situation; it is a state of mind. Being ready means, you can think fast, make decisions and do what you need to do without hesitation.

Successful people are always learning and reaching out to new areas so they can be ready. To be mentally prepared tomorrow will be too late. Author and leadership expert John Maxwell said, “The only adequate preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today.” It is what you are ready for today that matters most. Putting things off is never a good idea. You do not know what will happen tomorrow, what opportunities will come up.  You would hate to miss something great because you are doing things that could have – should have – been done yesterday.

Be ready for the unexpected. As I said, the unexpected will happen. It will all depend on whether you were prepared or not. It could be an excellent opportunity to pass your way only once; it could be a monumental disaster like 9/11. Whatever the case, be ready, and you will enjoy the success that only the prepared know. As Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) said, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.”

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.