“When opportunity comes, it is too late to prepare.” – John Wooden

This quote by legendary coach John Wooden has really been on my mind lately. And I wonder—how does it sit with you?

Lately, I’ve found myself in a season that feels quiet, foundational, and even a little repetitive. It’s not glamorous. It’s not public-facing. It’s unseen work. I’ve been laying bricks, one by one, for something I can sense is ahead—but that hasn’t fully revealed itself yet.

Can you relate?

Have you ever been in a season where you feel like you’re doing the right things, but nothing has “happened” yet? Where you’re sowing seeds with no sign of a sprout?

It’s in these seasons that preparation becomes a discipline. A commitment. Even an act of faith.

The Beauty in the Mundane

Preparation rarely feels exciting. In fact, it often feels mundane. It’s early mornings, hard conversations, showing up when no one’s clapping, finishing the project, reviewing the strategy—again.

For me right now, it’s been things like refining my coaching frameworks late at night, having exploratory conversations with potential collaborators, and yes—writing blog posts that may only reach a handful of people. Not exactly Instagram-worthy moments, but each one is a building block.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to learn: the habits we form today shape the version of us that opportunities will meet tomorrow.

The beauty is not just in the result. It’s in the becoming.

The Opportunity That Changed Me

This principle played out in my own life in an unexpected way several years ago. I remember being encouraged by a mentor to apply for a professional travelling scholarship. I didn’t feel ready. I wasn’t even sure I’d get it. But my then-boss said something that stopped me in my tracks: “All the work you’ve put in over the last year has definitely made you ready.”

That was all I needed to hear.

I applied—and won. I was the sole recipient. I travelled to Canada and the U.S., immersing myself in professional development that not only transformed my career trajectory but reshaped how I saw myself.

I was ready because I had done the unseen work.

I hadn’t known this opportunity was coming. But I had been preparing, even when I didn’t realise it.

Let’s Reflect

So now, I want to turn it back to you—with a few gentle, guiding questions:

• What habits are you building that your future self will thank you for?
• In what area of your life or career are you currently being invited to prepare—even without certainty?
• Are there skills, disciplines, or mindsets you feel nudged to develop “just in case”?

It’s so easy to wait for the email, the promotion, the speaking invitation, the business breakthrough. But what if you became the version of yourself that’s already ready—before the opportunity arrives?

A Quiet Call to Action

This isn’t about hustling or striving.

It’s about preparing with intention. It’s about being faithful with the little. It’s about honouring the season of preparation, even when it feels slow.

Because when the door opens—and it will—may you walk through it knowing you are already equipped.

Keep building. Keep becoming. The opportunity is on its way.

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Ready to intentionally prepare for what’s next? If you’re feeling called to this season of preparation but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to support you. As a leadership and business coach, I help professionals like you identify the skills, mindsets, and strategies that will serve your future self—even before you know exactly what that future holds.

Whether you’re sensing a career transition on the horizon, feeling stuck in your current role, or simply want to be more intentional about your professional development, let’s explore how coaching can help you prepare with purpose.

Ready to get started? Let’s connect.