Preparedness
Readiness to receive what is next to come can only be determined by the level at which one feels prepared. When we are unprepared, we may be debilitatingly frightened of taking that first step toward whatever it is that we seek after. Also, if we are to move forward without proper preparation, then we risk failure at a higher level than if we had considered how failure could occur.
Consideration of how failure could occur does not mean that it is deterministic. It is quite useful to contemplate what could go wrong to avoid unnecessary missteps.
The fear of failure can be either paralyzing or energizing. Some may find themselves completely unwilling to try something new, even if it could massively benefit their physical or mental well-being because the risk that they may fail is magnified to the proportion of potential catastrophe. Others take far too many risks, neglecting to recognize or even to comprehend how any of their decisions have actually affected them or those around them. Like many things in life, it's good to have a balance of being cautious while simultaneously reaching for something that is out of sight.
Preparation means anticipating both success and failure while increasing one's confidence in doing what is necessary.
In addition, goal setting is crucial. If one does not have a goal, then one has nothing for which they could prepare. Goals need to be realistic and need to be micromanaged by having obtainable objectives. It's best to think of goals as being long-term and objectives as being short-term. Objectives are like mile or elevation markers on a trail; the goal is to reach the trail's end.
Goals themselves need to be visualized. One needs to imagine themselves in the position of acquiring what they seek after. Replaying this fantasy over in your head, particularly when encountering difficulties or obstacles, will assist in carrying the belief that the journey in which you are on is still navigable.
Goals should require more of our presence. Meditation is a valuable practice in building an increased presence of mind. Feeling more present allows us to escape from the grapples of the past as well as protects us from the anxieties of the future. It allows one to focus on what is most important, minimizing distractibility.
Appropriate goal-oriented practices fall into place as one increases their sense of presence. Distractions occur; it can be helpful to use a mantra to return to what is most important.
It is essential to mention that when these disturbances happen, there will be times in which you feel like you are failing. Allow failure to be liberating as opposed to inhibitory. Failure should teach you just as much as success teaches you. Consider what hasn't worked in this pursuit and how to move past that. If you do not learn from your mistakes, then you are bound to repeat them.
Lastly, being prepared means believing in something external as well as internal. The external belief is what you seek. There is something that you would like to adopt into your life that is beyond what you currently have. Believing in what is external makes the pursuit worth your while. It helps to reinforce focus as well as facilitates the creation of meaning.
If what you pursue is not meaningful, then why seek it in the first place?
Believing in what is internal means believing in one's self. If you do not think you are capable, then you may never get your feet off the ground. Perhaps somewhere on the journey, failure and doubt may whisper in your ear that you are not capable. Listening to this voice too often could sabotage your mission. Doubt is only helpful if you plan on recalibrating your objectives.
Remember that you have courage, strength, will, power, and determination to move through whatever darkness that is cast over you. The light may not always come from outside, so it's best to make sure that you allow it to come from within.