Have you ever taken a test for which you were unprepared? Perhaps you intended to study, but allowed other activities to take priority. Then, the night before the test, you tried to review, cramming principles and concepts into your head one atop the other until frustration took over and you gave up. On test day, nervousness plagued you and hasty book knowledge jumbled into one giant state of confusion.
Preparation keeps panic at bay and provides an orderly processing and recall of information. Without preparation, we stumble and forward motion comes to a halt.
Following are thoughts on the anatomy of preparation:
Prioritize
Preparation requires a commitment of time. Preparing is a process that can’t be rushed or crunched into a short timeframe at the last minute. Prioritizing preparation provides a better outcome.
We give many things a place of priority that shouldn’t hold that position. In assigning priority, be sure to think through the time requirement. Give preparation the priority it deserves.
Humanize
When preparing, keep human nature in mind. Many of us are procrastinators, waiting too long to begin, especially if the task takes effort beyond your level of comfort. Delaying preparation leads to hasty decisions, stress, and sometimes, not being able to access or accomplish what you hoped to. Beginning preparation early alleviates panic mode and gives your mind time to absorb what you are learning, curating, or presenting.
Organize
Preparation utilizes organization. Orderliness is the friend of preparation. Many people use lists to organize and prepare. If your method of preparing involves making and “working” a list, go for it! If another manner of organization is better for you, use it.
As you prepare, you may reach a place where you need to reorganize. That’s fine, and not indicative of failure. Realizing you need to reorganize enhances preparation.
Personalize
Preparation is a lifelong endeavor. Personal experiences, good and bad, are training for life. The ability to learn from successes and failures prepares us for the skillful encounter of challenges, roadblocks, and detours. Preparation is a continuing lesson in life navigation.
Personal strengths and weaknesses are unique to each of us. Recognizing and accepting weaknesses, and then working on them, is just as important as utilizing personal strengths. And spiritual preparation should rank as high on your list of priorities as physical and mental preparation.
Without God-given discernment and help, human preparation is without the kind of power that leads to fulfillment. Let each element of preparation include a heart tuned to spiritual wisdom.
“People do their best making plans for their lives, but the Eternal guides each step” (Proverbs 16:9 VOICE).
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
To receive Candy’s blog, Forward Motion, via email, go to https://candyarrington.com/blog/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up.