“Only you can control your future.” — Dr. Seuss

Last night we went to a Japanese restaurant, the kind where the chef puts on a show while cooking your dinner right in front of you.

His showmanship was one thing, but what really impressed me was the preparation. Great care had gone into cutting the vegetables and meats, and arranging them for efficiency.

Whenever the chef needed anything, it was right there. After two hours we left, impressed and full.

“There are no secrets to success,” said former Secretary of State Colin Powell. “It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.”

Your work as a leader is just like the chef’s. You set things up long before the event. You make sure that when you need something, it’s there.

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success,” said Alexander Graham Bell.

Justin Bieber’s performance of “Let It Be” in Times Square required hours and hours of practice.

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” said coaching legend John Wooden.

Ron Swoboda played for the New York Mets in 1969. He was a below-average outfielder but wanted to improve. Every day he asked a coach to hit him a certain kind of ball — a line drive that required a quick decision.

Sure enough, in Game 4 of the World Series, Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles hit exactly the kind of ball that Swoboda had been practicing. He judged it immediately, dove, and caught it to save the game!

“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” said Oprah Winfrey.

Prepare for your opportunity!

*** *** *** ***

TotalGamePlan offers Winner’s Workshops for schools, sports teams and businesses. The emphasis is on motivation, skill-building and teamwork. To bring a Winner’s Workshop to your group, just email coachtully@totalgameplan.com or call (973) 800-5836.