Prepare for change

Going on any journey requires preparation. Preparation ensures that the journey is successful and gives us results we want. I have had a stint in farming and understand that to have a good harvest requires preparing the land, fertilizing, seeding, removing weeds when they appear, watering, and so forth. We prepare to ensure that we pass our exams or prepare our speech before delivering an outstanding presentation. Those who run seminars know that preparation is essential for a successful training outcome. So here is my question. Why is it that in designing the life you want and living the life you imagine, you don’t put in the preparation time to ensure success? This is the right time to prepare to succeed. It will require reconditioning and reprogramming your mind to get a different result. Preparation involves what you think is required for a successful journey. Have you prepared your mind to sidestep the obstacles and challenges and conditioned yourself to go through the adversities that may show up unannounced? You can’t run a successful business without doing your due diligence through preparation.

To be prepared is half the victory – Miguel de Cervantes
​
Change can be scary because of the unknowns and it can be frustrating and difficult. However, with good preparation your chances of success are greater than if you didn’t prepare at all. One major area of my expertise is helping organizations lead and manage change faster and successfully. I also help organizations and individuals go through major transformations successfully. Leaders sometimes get into implementing change and transformation initiatives without thorough preparation. As a result, these leaders experience significant resistance from their employees and conclude that people hate change. For starters, people don’t hate change. It is only certain types of change that they resist. Who in the world would resist a salary or wage increase, resist being taken on a romantic vacation, moving to a great neighborhood, or eating in a fine restaurant? I am still waiting to hear somebody tell his/her boss or employer to keep him/her at the same salary for the next two to five years. When people feel that change is being implemented with them, rather than being done to them, they accept and work through the change for successful outcomes.

Preparing for change is a prerequisite for success. Prepare for the life you imagine and prepare to take the necessary actions and steps to give you the results you want. Lack of preparation is the reason for major detours, being blown here and there, and falling for whatever is out there. I have heard it said that if you do not know where you are going, anywhere will do! Are you prepared to design the life you want? Do you even know in detail the life you want, or is it the life someone else wants for you?

Donovan Bailey said, “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.”

Preparation means working hard and smart on your path to success. Preparation helps you deal with obstacles that come your way as you design the life you want. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is preparation and taking concrete actions on the goals they have set. What preparation have you made to work on your inner world? Have you prepared your mind mentally for the journey? What are you prepared to let go of, so that you can see clearly and have the mental clarity to pursue your dreams with gusto? What excess baggage, habits, emotions, and other challenges are you prepared to let go so that you can pursue your goals? Prior preparation prepares you to win the battles, and overcome the obstacles and challenges on the path to success, achievement, growth, and development. Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” I can’t say it enough, prepare, prepare, prepare!