Victorious Journey with Coach Bre

Stay Ready!

The title of this post is based on an expression that has become popular over the last few years: “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” My interpretation of it is that one must be ready and prepared for opportunities she has been waiting on at all times. Out of curiosity, I Google’d the phrase, and a multitude of blog posts and videos came up! I certainly am not going to regurgitate what these bloggers and vloggers shared, but I do want to share an experience I had recently that confirms this statement.

A few weeks ago, I ran across an opportunity to write an article for a magazine. On a whim, I decided to submit a piece and just see what would happen. I wrote the article, sent it in, and moved on to something else (I almost forgot I’d written it). On Monday of this week, I received an email from the publisher asking if I were available to appear on a live broadcast that day to preview my article, in anticipation of the magazine’s edition coming out in a few weeks. I had to re-read the email to make sure that she wanted me to be on the broadcast that same day. She indicated that she understood if I couldn’t appear on such short notice, but something said…”don’t let this opportunity pass you by!” 😊 I immediately said yes and began to get excited (and a bit nervous) about the event that was coming up really soon!

I’ve been on a few live events and podcasts promoting my book since it was released in November, but I’ve always had a few days’ or weeks’ notice to prepare. Not so on yesterday! Instead of weeks or even days, I only had a few hours to get it together! Other than a quick glance at the article (and a quick wardrobe change from my work-from-home attire), I was already ready!

What’s the lesson? We never know when an opportunity that we’ve been waiting for will suddenly appear! For me, this was a chance to appear live before an international audience (the publisher is based in the UK, and there were several listeners from around the world on the broadcast). And while this event was not about my book, I also had the chance to mention it, and the link for ordering was shared with the audience! We should be ready to pivot at all times to be able to take advantage these open doors!

What does “staying ready so you don’t have to get ready” look like? For me, it’s always having a few talking points in my head. Maybe it looks like anticipating what questions may be asked so you can answer them well. Maybe it means keeping a few copies of your book in your car in case you get an unanticipated sale. As a minister, it can mean always having a sermon ready in case a last-minute call comes to fill in for someone. What does this mean for you and what you do?

In a nutshell, this expression means, “preparation” and “flexibility.” Do the work needed to be ready, so that you can effortlessly speak, sing, dance, and do whatever it is you are passionate about. Then, be flexible enough so that you can move and respond quickly. If you’re already ready, you can step into those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities effortlessly!

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