The 5 P’s

Every week it seems that a new self-help book comes out with yet another “key to success.” Many of these become best sellers, thanks to the millions of readers who are looking to unlock the secret to prosperity. Yet, many of these so-called tips are built around the same basic principle—the 5 P’s.

The 5 P’s tell us that, “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.” In other words, if you want something to end right, it has to start right. Imagine if a producer woke up one morning and just said, “I want to put on a Broadway show this afternoon.” Some would argue that with the right resources, he would be able to hire the actors and musicians, rent the hall, and get the word out about the performance. But almost everyone would agree that the actual production would be a hot mess. The actors would hardly know their lines or cues, the music would be sloppy, the sets would still have wet paint, and the audience would demand a refund.

Our lives are so much more complicated than a Broadway production. Which is why proper preparation is so essential. When I was a kid, my mother used to tell me to lay out my clothes at night. That little tip followed me to this day, where I have passed along to my kids the importance of preparing for the day ahead. Proper preparation can be as simple as visualizing what’s ahead and getting yourself mentally ready for it, or as involved as training or practicing for a specific event or craft.

From a spiritual perspective, let us not forget that Jesus said in John 14:2, “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Jesus is looking ahead to our arrival—and those who will come are those of us who have prepared our souls for eternity.

I’m preparing for what’s ahead!