Preparing For The Unexpected

I’m sure you’re wondering about what the unexpected is or how this topic applies to your life specifically. Well think of it this way, did you ever play sports, participate in band, or any activity that required you to practice often? You may be more familiar with the saying “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready”. This mantra holds true and could help add value to your life. I ran into a situation not that long ago where I didn’t adhere to these words. I was at an event hosted by my father and I was requested to recite a poem.

In case you didn’t know, I write poetry and aspire to be a poet and author one day. I prepared myself days before so that I could recite my poem verbatim. I never liked looking down at a piece of paper to help me speak to an audience. So the day comes for the event, I get called on stage, I perform and walk off stage. Unbeknownst to me, I got called on stage later on during the event to recite another poem, but I had only prepared for one. Let’s just say I bombed that performance and walked off stage embarrassed!

Had I prepared myself to do another one just in case I was called on again, I wouldn’t have had to to do the walk of shame while exiting stage left. I know what you’re thinking, “but you didn’t know you were going to be asked again!”. You would be correct in thinking those exact thoughts, but one important part you just said is “you didn’t know!”. Which brings me to shed light on the urgency of my topic! If I had not only prepared for my original poem, but also a second one, just in case I was called upon again, I wouldn’t have gone through the embarrassment in the first place!

You still may be wondering how this applies to your life. It’s simple, whether it’s for a test, game, job interview, speech, or event always stay prepared! Think about how much more of an advantage you will have if you prepare! Even during hurricane season some people prepare by stocking up on water, food, batteries, gas, medical supplies, tools and etc. You don’t know what the storms of life may bring but you can always equip yourself to deal with the aftermath. Like a wise man once told me, “never plan but always prepare!”