Teach Children to Value Preparation by Teaching Them to Value Process
Preparation is the 5th core value that leads to self-motivation. My favorite quote about preparation was drilled in my head my freshman year at West Point. If you know anybody with a military background, then you probably know the one I’m talking about…The 5 Ps of preparation.
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
There are several variations to this with 6 Ps or even 7 Ps. Nonetheless, the meaning stays the same. The bottom line is that when you value preparation, you are self-motivated to prevent poor performance.
Here are a few more of my favorite quotes on preparation:
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham Lincoln
The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.Everyone wants to win but not everyone wants to prepare to win. Preparing to win is where the determination that you will win, is made.
Bobby Knight
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail
Benjamin Franklin
Gratification in working comes from the preparation and the building of the character.
Cicely Tyson
Valuing Preparation is to Value Process
What all these quotes have in common is that they imply that success doesn’t come from luck and it doesn’t come as a result of natural talent. Success comes from process.
If you want to teach your child to value preparation, then you much teach them to value process. This starts with the process of setting goals and creating a plan to reach those goals.
It’s that simple. Proper goal setting and goal pursuit is the fundamental process all parents must teach their children. What’s more, parents must do this for themselves to set the example. I suggest family time to set goals together and to allow your children to hold you accountable just as you hold them accountable. Then prepare as a family to not fail at reaching each of your goals.