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Posted by Paym Bergson May 22, 2006 |
Being prepared is not just a one time occurrance - you've got to make it part of your lifestyle if you want to get ahead. And nope, this doesn't mean you have to plan for every minute - but you do have to have a game plan for how you deal with life in general.
It's our holiday weekend (or was, actually) - and I am amazed at the lack of preparation by most people. We seem to live only for our next task, and seem irritated by any supposed obstacle.
As an observer of human behaviour, I found this weekend enlightening while waiting for the local liquor store to open on Sunday. As usual, I forgot the time is later for the one closer to me than the one further north - but I also knew the stores beside it would be open and I could get other shopping done as well. So, realizing aferwards I had some time on my hands, I sat in the car (btw it was alternating between pouring rain and hail), and passed the time watching others while jotting down some notes for classes I teach next week. To me, waiting is not an inconvenience, but an opportunity for reflection and/or note taking (hey, I'll even use the time for day dreaming!)
There were a few others like myself who were also waiting - but what amazed me where those who sped into the parking lot - ran in the rain to the store door - found it locked of course, found the opening time, and then promptly left. Keep in mind the next liquor store is at least 20 minutes away in any direction, and by now there was only about 10 minutes left til the official opening.
These drivers had cell phones stuck to their ears - and could not bother to wait - and they seemed angry that the store was not open yet.
Which brings me back to being prepared - if something doesn't go your way - what do YOU do? Get angry? Figure out a way to make the time count for you? No, you won't always be prepared for what life hands you, or what happens in an interview. But you CAN prepare on how you will handle life's simple curves in the game.
As a final note - when the doors did open - it was a hysterical symphony of car doors opening/closing and horns beeping from remote key locks! The massive exit of people from cars to the store was a sight in itself, and I spent the next few minutes just drinking in the spectacular colours and shapes that whirled around me. Definitely worth the wait!
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Check out the latest article in Career Advice - your first step in being prepared for that change of job.