When Opportunity meets Preparation she greets her with open arms and they both say in unison, ‘Lets do this!’

Sanjo Jendayi

When change is imminent there are little signs that pop up along the way to prepare us for what is coming. Sometimes we see them clearly and get excited because its what we want. Other times we see and choose to ignore them because it’s not exactly how we thought it would turn out. Still other times the signs are there, but we don’t see them until after the change occurs.

For me, our big change was earmarked several years in advance. I had prepared myself through study and practice, I had the desire. I was given some powerful feedback that I was on the right path.  I had a client decide to hire me as a coach before I had graduated from coaching school.  I had another client decide to leave a job he hated and move forward to secure his dream job.  The results were coming and the pathway seemed to be opening for me, but I was not quite ready to take on the world of entrepreneurship. I thought I was, I now had an MBA, coaching certification and a deep love with some experience for what I wanted to do – coach, train and help others succeed. However, desire alone doesn’t always bring the change.  There was more experience and preparation that I needed before I would be ready. The key is to be on the path and keep moving.  Intentional forward movement is an essential part of us being able to shape our future.

I kept moving and was presented with several opportunities on the way.  I had a good friend who asked me if I wanted to partner with him and create a business. We wrote a whole business plan together and started moving down the road of implementation before I decided to pull out because at that point I could see that the business would keep me away from my personal vision.  Then there was another amazing opportunity to purchase and run an already existing business, but again the same result.  It would have kept me away from what I love for too long.  These experiences prepared me by helping me understand the importance of alignment and passion for our work. They prepared me to be congruent in moving forward with action that aligned with my values when I was prepared.  

What experiences have shaped your life?
How have they helped or hindered you? And … How can you use them as stepping stones for future success?