Preparation

Having prepared is not the same as arriving prepared. That is, the long prep is not the same as the short prep.

Standing at the starting line of a 10K in your running shoes is being prepared. It’s not the same as having followed months of a training protocol.

Mustering courage and focus is being prepared. It’s not the same as having rehearsed and fine-tuned the performance.

Sharpening your Number 2 pencil is being prepared. It’s not the same as having studied for the test.

Preparation comes in many forms. Being really good at the short prep rarely compensates for having ignored the long prep.