There’s a well-known saying about casinos: “The house always wins.” While this isn’t strictly true for every bet, it’s undeniable that casinos set up their odds to ensure consistent profits over time.
Preparation works in a similar way. When you position yourself to win consistently, you’ll triumph more often than not, and those victories compound over time.For leaders, preparation can make the difference between occasional success and sustained excellence.
Even if you lose individual battles, consistent preparation ensures long-term wins. Yet, many struggle with preparation due to misunderstandings about the mindset required or a lack of commitment to the process.Through years of coaching college basketball and observing life in general, I’ve identified five levels of preparation.
These categories describe the approaches people take and their outcomes. Take a moment to reflect on your current level as you read through them.Casual preparation is the epitome of “winging it.” It often manifests in areas you dread addressing—tasks at work, personal health, or relationships.