Every day, you and I each have the opportunity to make numerous choices and decisions. I have discovered that being ready for the opportunities that come my way makes it easier for me to make wise choices and decisions. One of the many benefits of being ready for opportunities is an increased sense of confidence. Feeling confident makes me more willing to step out and take a risk than I would be if I wasn't ready. Of course it goes without saying, success is much more likely when I am well prepared.

So, how can one be ready for opportunities when they come? I believe the answer to that question is simply this: You must have a plan. We've all heard it said, "Fail to plan, you plan to fail." This is so true. I would venture to say that having a plan in your head-while it is better than no plan at all-is not enough. By writing down and thinking out on paper your strategies and plans for the future, you can see things from a whole different perspective. Planning helps you to see where you are and visualize where you are going. Through planning you will begin to enjoy the success you desire in life because you will be ready to make wise decisions when the opportunities come.

Are you ready for the future, for opportunities, for problems or challenges, or for a major change in your life? The time to get ready is now! So as you grab that pen & paper, keep this thought in mind: