Your Preparation Decides Performance

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Your Preparation Decides Performance

You’ve been there; a big meeting, a high-stakes decision, a moment that mattered. And if you’re honest, sometimes you weren’t as prepared as you could have been.

But those who consistently win? They obsess over preparation.

Take Thomas Jefferson. During the first meeting to decide the future of the University of Virginia. The university was Jefferson’s idea, but others came in with their own agendas.

When the meeting began, Jefferson laid out architectural drawings, detailed budgets, a proposed curriculum, and even the names of faculty he wanted.

No one else had anything close. His preparation was so thorough that the group had to adopt his plan. The University of Virginia was built more or less exactly as Jefferson envisioned.

That’s the power of preparation.

And here’s the truth: if you care about performance, you have to care about preparation.

Too often, people show up relying only on their past experience. Experience helps, but it’s not the same as being prepared. If you want to stand out, preparation has to become your advantage.

Consistent preparation is the precursor to performance.

Think about it. Preparation is simply the process of making ready, which increases the odds of a successful outcome. It looks different for everyone, but the common thread is hard work.

Jocko Willink put it bluntly: “People who are successful decide they are going to be successful. They decide to study hard.”

That’s why great leaders over-prepare but don’t overthink. Preparation gives you the confidence to perform under pressure. Overthinking only creates hesitation.

So as you launch into today, or as you get ready for tomorrow, remember:

Consistent preparation is the precursor to performance. And great leaders over-prepare, but don’t overthink.

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