The start of a new week or a new month brings with it a certain freshness, or a renewed hope that even if the last week or month was a complete fail, you’ve got a new chance to redeem yourself and make things better. Part of this is being prepared. Ever notice how when Sunday rolls around and you take the time to get things ready for the week ahead – whether that’s meal planning and prep, laundry, cleaning the house, reviewing your schedule – when Monday morning appears, things run so much more smooth.

While there are several benefits to being prepared, these are a few of the benefits that have impacted my life in the most positive way:

1. Being prepared instills confidence. Legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” You wouldn’t go in to write a major test without first studying, would you? (OK it’s possible that in high school the answer to that question would have been yes….) Being prepared helps build confidence because preparedness grows our knowledge, helps us use our time more efficiently, and infuses a sense of satisfaction – all key elements of self-confidence.
2. Being prepared saves time. We don’t even have children, and already my husband Wes and I find our weekly schedules can be incredibly demanding. It’s beneficial for both of us to be prepared. You know the adage “you’ve got to spend time to save time”? To adequately prepare for the week ahead – whether that means making lunches and dinners in advance, or organizing work tools, or even getting to bed at a good (read: Early) hour – you’ve got to spend time doing these things in order to save time in the long-term. When you start preparing in advance, you’ll be surprised at how much more efficient a person you become.
3. Being prepared builds wisdom. Proverbs 6:6-8 (KJV) says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Being prepared helps us build wisdom. We learn when we prepare, and we become more aware of our surroundings. When we’re prepared, we’re more apt to listen to others, to be more alert, and to be more focused.

It’s not always easy – especially to those who are prone to procrastination – however being prepared has a myriad of benefits. And preparedness is so much better than the alternative! I’ll close with this quote from Benjamin Franklin, renowned inventor and one of America’s Founding Fathers: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Take note, get inspired, and remember the benefits of being prepared!

 

Originally published as “3 Benefits of Being Prepared”. Minto Express. November 4, 2015: 5. Print.

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