PREPARE

I don't know if it is a general thing or a perk of being born to parents who were very particular about the grammar and attitude of the kids. A lot of phrases and proverbs were thrown at us, my siblings and I, at an early age and we had to learn their meanings. Ever heard the phrase 'Anything worth doing at all is worth doing well'? Sure you must have. That was one I heard a lot! Especially from my dad. 

As a child, I was very inquisitive. Sometimes too much for my own good. And for my curiosity, I had a short attention span. I was always eager to help, but the moment I began to help, something else catches my attention. I ended up breaking a lot of plates and cups, not finishing my homework, or forgetting my school bag in the car. Thus, that particular phrase being tossed at me...a lot! 

But it wasn't bad, for I have grown to learn to be careful in whatever I do and the choices I make. Not to rush into action or jump to conclusions. Some of the accidents on our roads could have been avoided if the persons involved have been a little more careful than they had been. Some of the buildings that have collapsed may still be standing if the contractors had been more careful about the quality of work and products put into the construction of the buildings. Many businesses don't stand the test of time because their owners rushed in to make profit rather than to build a successful and sustainable economic venture. 

Some people rush to make some decisions or go into businesses without proper research and guidance or mentorship of any sort. The result? They 'crash and burn' after a while, or for some fortunate few, they struggle to survive. A mother eager to carry her child in her arms will not, for any reason, force herself to go into labour at 6 months of pregnancy. The result will be the death of the child. Or at best, miraculously, the child survives with the help of an incubator. 

Before embarking on certain ventures or taking certain decisions, especially the life changing sort, we out to ask ourselves certain questions like, 'Can I do this?', 'Am I ready for this?', 'Can I do it alone or do I need help or partners?', 'What do I hope to achieve from this?' (i.e goals), 'Where do I start?', 'Do I need money for this?', Do I have enough money to do this?', 'Where can I get money from?'. These are reflective questions.

These kind of questions can help motivate and keep us focused on the goal(s) we hope to achieve. This way, you know your target before you begin. You know what you are up against. And at the end, when you have achieved your goal(s), you will be contented that the time spent preparing was worth it. 

- The Lady



     “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
                                                  Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:5‬