What real preparation looks like


 Not everyone can just wing it.


When you see someone killing it with their presentation or interview or a sales call or pitching an idea, it's the culmination of hours of preparation.


One of my mentees asked what exactly preparation looks like.


I tried explaining it to him, but later I realized nothing can explain it better than this scene from Ford vs. Ferrari.


Before leaving for Le Mans, Ken Miles walks his son through the entire race in his mind — from the critical first gear turn at Eau Rouge to pushing Top Gear at 210 mph down Mulsanne straight. He describes every corner, every shift, every braking point. From how the car behaves through the Dunlop Bridge, to letting it run free over the rise at White House.


It’s the culmination of years spent tuning the perfect car and studying every inch of the circuit.


That's what real preparation looks like. Most people think they can wing it, until they are in the moment.


It's not just about having slides or data points. It's about rehearsing your flow, anticipating questions, name drops, lining up your examples, ice breakers, and anecdotes.


Next time, don't try to wing it. But ace it.





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