Four Years Ago Today, The World Shut Down: Were You Prepared or Taken by Surprise?

Prepared for Anything: How Readiness Turns Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Listen up, warrior.

Life throws curveballs.

It’s inevitable.

Remember March 15th, 2020?

The world shut down.

For many, it was a complete blindside.

But for me, that date held an even deeper significance.

I was just stepping off a ten-day Caribbean cruise with my wife and father-in-law, who was battling early-stage dementia.

After that trip, as it turned out, it would also be the last time I’d set foot on a construction site.

While most people were devastated being sent home, I was ready and happy to be home.

You see, I’d been prepping for this moment, for a new path.

Retirement wasn’t forced upon me; it was set in place with years of planning and preparation.

Fast forward two years.

Same date, March 15th.

I’m back from Cairo after a ten-week trip with my father-in-law, this time visiting his family one more time as his dementia worsened.

The flight home was a powerful reflection.

On one hand, it was a stark reminder of impermanence and the importance of family.

But on the other, it solidified the freedom and abundance preparation had brought me.

Yehia, my father-in-law, as we walk around Maadi

“It’s better to be a warrior in a garden, Than a gardener in a war.”

Here’s the thing, brother.

Being prepared isn’t about avoiding life’s curveballs.

It’s about having the tools and mindset to handle them effectively, and to bounce back stronger.

Here’s why preparation is your secret weapon:

• Reduces Stress: Imagine facing a setback with a plan in place. You’ve got a financial safety net, a skillset that can adapt, and a clear head. Compare that to scrambling in the face of the unknown. The calmer you are, the better you’ll navigate the storm.
• Boosts Confidence: Knowing you’re prepared empowers you. You face challenges head-on because you trust your ability to overcome them. This confidence shines through in everything you do, attracting opportunities and propelling you forward.
• Maximizes Opportunities: Life throws surprises, good and bad. Preparation allows you to seize the good ones without fear. Maybe a dream job opens up, requiring relocation. With a financial cushion and the flexibility to adapt, you can chase that opportunity with confidence.

Now, you might be thinking, “Preparation sounds great, but where do I even begin?”

Here are three steps to get you started:

1. Define Your “What Ifs”: Take some time to brainstorm potential setbacks, big and small. Job loss, illness, a market crash — whatever worries you, write it down. This isn’t about dwelling on fear; it’s about identifying areas where preparation can bring peace of mind.
2. Build Your Safety Net: This can look different for everyone. It might be an emergency fund, a marketable skillset, or having strong relationships with supportive people. Focus on building a foundation that can catch you if you fall.
3. Develop a “Can Do” Attitude: Preparation is half the battle; the other half is your mental approach. Cultivate a “can-do” attitude. Believe in your ability to solve problems and overcome obstacles. This unwavering optimism will propel you further than any plan alone.

Remember, being prepared isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about taking control of the present.

It’s about building a life where setbacks become stepping stones, and opportunities are embraced with open arms.

So, take action, brother.

Start building your own fortress of preparedness, and watch as life’s curveballs become the fuel that propels you forward.

P.S. If you’re having difficulty planning and preparing for your life, take advantage of my FREE 3-week 22-email course.

In it, I cover everything I did to prepare, plan, and execute for my life and retirement so you can do the same. Get it here: ​Learn to Lead