A principle that has been a game-changer for me is the idea of staying ready for opportunities. It’s a simple concept, but it’s incredibly powerful. The path to success is often unpredictable, filled with surprises and opportunities that can dramatically change our course.
The Power of Readiness
There’s something to be said about being open and ready for whatever life throws at us. Each opportunity, especially the unexpected ones, has the potential to propel us forward in ways we never imagined.
My experience as a backup quarterback in the NFL, particularly with the New York Jets, really brought this home for me. It was a Thursday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and I had been on the practice squad all season, only playing in one game earlier that year. During the pre-game walkthrough, I was hyped, asking our offensive coordinator if we were ready to go. What I didn’t expect was to see about 30 plays on his play sheet planned for me that evening.
Despite being the 4th string QB and having played more practice squad safety than quarterback, I had been preparing. Every off day, after practice, I stayed extra, throwing more balls, stretching, and working out to ensure my mind and body were ready. And when I was thrown into the game at the end of the 3rd quarter, I was prepared. We didn’t win, but I finished as our team’s leading passer and rusher under challenging conditions.
My Mindset: Always Be Prepared
My mindset has always been clear: be prepared for your opportunity. If it comes and you’re not ready because you didn’t put in the work, that’s on you. I made sure I did everything I could every day to be ready for my shot. No regrets.
Being prepared is more than just hard work; it’s a state of mind. It’s about sharpening your skills continuously and staying attuned to changes in your field. It’s cultivating a mindset where you’re always ready to step up. This proactive approach to opportunity isn’t just about waiting for chances; it’s about creating them through constant readiness.
Throughout my career, both on and off the field, this readiness has been invaluable. Whether it was a last-minute strategy change or an unexpected leadership opportunity, my readiness allowed me to capitalize on these moments and turn them into stepping stones for success.
Applying the Principle of Readiness
- Be Open to Opportunities: Welcome new challenges; they might be your next big break.
- Prepare Mentally and Physically: Always be in a state to seize opportunities as they arise.
- Adopt a ‘Ready at All Times’ Mindset: Be prepared, always.
- Learn from Every Experience: Every success and setback is a lesson.
- Understand the Pathway to Growth: Readiness and seizing opportunities are the roads to personal and professional growth.
Remember, stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. When opportunity knocks, you want to be the one opening the door, ready to take on whatever comes next.
