In life, opportunities are like rare gems—they don’t come often, but when they do, they are priceless. However, opportunities in themselves are not enough to guarantee success. It is when opportunity meets preparedness that success becomes inevitable.

Success is the meeting point of diligent preparation and timely opportunities. Many people have missed life-changing moments simply because they weren’t ready when the opportunity came knocking. Being prepared isn’t just about having the skills or knowledge required; it’s about maintaining a state of readiness—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Think of an athlete. They train relentlessly, not for the certainty of winning but for the possibility of the opportunity to compete. The opportunity to perform at the highest level, when it arrives, will only be rewarding if they are prepared. Likewise, in our professional lives, personal growth, and even relationships, we must constantly work on ourselves, improving our skills, attitudes, and mindset so that when the door of opportunity swings open, we can walk through it confidently and claim our success.

Preparation is the foundation that upholds the structure of success. It’s in the countless hours spent honing your craft, the resilience built from overcoming challenges, and the persistence that keeps you striving even when the path is uncertain. Preparation aligns you with opportunity and makes you unstoppable.

Many times, opportunities come disguised as challenges or obstacles. It is your preparedness that will allow you to recognize them, seize them, and turn them into stepping stones toward your destiny. Waiting for the “perfect” opportunity is a trap; rather, the secret lies in making every opportunity perfect through your readiness.

The equation is simple: Preparation + Opportunity = Success. Those who fail to prepare are preparing to fail. Success doesn’t happen by accident—it is the result of intentional efforts made long before the opportunity arrives.

So, I encourage you today to be vigilant and keep sharpening your skills. Work on your mindset, build resilience, and be ready to act when the moment comes. Because once opportunity meets preparedness, success is no longer a possibility; it is an inevitability.

©️James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️773-344-6313
For more inspirational lecture series by the author, kindly visit www.spdsfoundation.org.