In a world of constant change, fierce competition and fleeting chances, one timeless formula remains true: Success = Opportunity + Preparedness. Many people reflect on missed opportunities with regret — whether in business, career advancement or personal goals.
But often, the real reason those doors remained closed was not lack of opportunity, but lack of readiness. When opportunity and preparation meet, success becomes not just possible, but inevitable.
Too often, success is attributed to luck. We admire the entrepreneur who launched successful businesses, students who secured scholarships or the professional who landed a dream job. From the outside, it appears as if fate simply smiled on them. But upon closer examination, you will often find a different story — one of late nights, discipline, rehearsed pitches and mastered skills.
What appears to be luck is usually opportunity showing up to meet someone who is prepared.
A classic example is Thomas Edison. He famously said: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Edison’s success came from relentless experimentation and preparation. Thousands of failed attempts did not deter him — they refined him. So, when the opportunity came knocking, he was already dressed for the occasion.
Louis Pasteur once said, “Chance favours the prepared mind.” In today’s global village, this statement holds truer than ever.
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Consider someone aiming for a promotion in an organisation. The opportunity may arise once a year or even less. If they wait for that moment to start acquiring skills or updating their résumé, they are already too late. However, someone who takes the initiative — attends workshops, earns more qualifications, builds leadership qualities — positions themselves as the obvious choice when the chance arises.
It is also a hard truth that opportunities are not infinite. In some contexts — especially in developing economies — job openings, contracts and educational opportunities are limited. This makes preparation not just advisable, but essential. When competition is high, those who are unprepared are quickly left behind.
Zimbabwe, like many other countries in the Global South, has a vast pool of talented young people. However, unemployment and economic constraints make opportunities scarce. The few chances that arise — jobs, internships, scholarships, grants, mentorships — are won by those who prepared diligently.
Success, in these circumstances, is not just about being present; it is about being ready.
One of the most tragic stories is of those who had everything going for them —talent, resources, connections — but failed to prepare. Their downfall was not due to a lack of opportunity, but because they underestimated the power of preparation.
It is not enough to be in the right place at the right time. You must also be the right person, with the right mindset, skillset, and attitude.
This applies equally to students, entrepreneurs, athletes and leaders. A scholarship can fund your education, but it cannot compensate for poor study habits.
A business deal can provide capital, but it will not save a poorly developed business model.
Even in politics, the best manifesto means little if the candidate lacks vision, competency or discipline.
So, how does one prepare for an opportunity? First, by understanding your goals clearly. You cannot prepare for what you have not defined.
Second, by acquiring knowledge and competencies relevant to your ambitions. Read widely, attend seminars, surround yourself with mentors.
Third, by maintaining readiness, we mean keeping tools of the trade sharp, documents in order and mind alert.
Renowned leadership coach Stern Zvavamwe always encourages job seekers to have an interview strategy. He once remarked: “The person who gets hired is not necessarily the one who can do that job best, but the one who knows the most about how to get hired. Implied is that preparing for an interview is crucial.
In addition, emotional and psychological preparedness is just as vital. Many miss opportunities not because they are unskilled, but because they lack the courage to step forward or the endurance to handle failure.
Preparedness includes being mentally and emotionally equipped to rise to the occasion.
Success does not visit the unprepared. It rewards those who have put in the effort when no one was watching. It gravitates towards the ready, the disciplined and the persistent.
While we may not control when or where an opportunity will present itself, we are fully in control of our preparedness.
So, as the saying goes, “Dig the well before you are thirsty.” Your preparation today may feel thankless, but tomorrow it may be the difference between regret and reward. Arise and shine!
- Cliff Chiduku is the director of marketing, information and public relations at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences in Mutare. He writes here in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on cchiduku@gmail.com or call/app +263775716517.
