Today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievement.
—Unknown
Preparation, I have often said, is rightly two-thirds of any venture.
—Amelia Earhart (1897–1937) American Aviator
To win a war quickly takes long preparation.
—Latin Proverb
The best match in the world will not light a candle unless the wick be first suitably prepared.
—Algernon Blackwood (1869–1951) British Author
If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for.
—Florence Scovel Shinn (1871–1940) American Illustrator, Spiritual Writer
If you’re prepared, then you’re able to feel confident.
—Robert Ringer (b.1979) American Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Author
The day you are leaving is not the time to start your preparations.
—African Proverb
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
An individual’s self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change. A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.
—Joyce Brothers (1927–2013) American Psychologist, Advice Columnist
In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation there is sure to be failure.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.
—Gail Godwin (b.1937) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
I will prepare and some day my chance will come.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
I don’t know a better preparation for life than a love of poetry and a good digestion.
—Zona Gale (1874–1938) American Novelist, Story Writer, Dramatist
First ask yourself: What is the worst that can happen? Then prepare to accept it. Then proceed to improve on the worst.
—Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) American Self-Help Author
A little neglect may breed great mischief. For want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe, the horse was lost; and for want of a horse, the rider was lost; being overtaken, and slain by the enemy. All for want of care about a horse-shoe nail.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Dislodging a green nut from it’s shell is almost impossible, but let it dry and the lightest tap will do it.
—Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–86) Indian Hindu Philosopher
Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.
—Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015) American Christian Televangelist, Author
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
—Malcolm X (1925–65) American Civil Rights Leader
Look for the best, prepare for the worst, and take what comes.
—Unknown
The five steps in teaching an employee new skills are preparation, explanation, showing, observation and supervision.
—Bruce Fairchild Barton (1886–1967) American Author, Advertising Executive, Politician
God does not work in all hearts alike, but according to the preparation and sensitivity He finds in each.
—Meister Eckhart (c.1260–1327) German Christian Mystic
The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.
—Joe Paterno (1926–2012) American Sportsperson
Prepare yourself for when the water comes up to your knees.
—African Proverb
Before you prepare to improve the world, look around your own house three times.
—Chinese Proverb
The great piano virtuoso Paderewski was once playing before an audience of the rich and the royal. After a brilliant performance, an elegant lady waxed ecstatic over the great artist. She said, “Ah Maestro, you are a genius!” Paderewski tartly replied, “Ah yes, madam, but before I was a genius I was a clod!” What he was saying was that his present acclaim was not handed to him on a silver platter. He, too, was once a little boy laboriously practicing his scales. And even at his peak, behind every brilliant performance there were countless hours of practice and preparation.
—Eric Butterworth (1916–2003) American Spirituality Writer
Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.
—Stephen King (b.1947) American Novelist, Short-Story Writer, Screenwriter, Columnist, Film Director
Luck is preparation meeting opportunity.
—Oprah Winfrey (b.1954) American TV Personality
Some people are making such thorough preparation for rainy days that they aren’t enjoying today’s sunshine.
—William Feather (1889–1981) American Publisher, Author
Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) Scottish Novelist
No man not inspired can make a good speech without preparation
—Daniel Webster (1782–1852) American Statesman, Lawyer