Be Prepared

I heard someone say yesterday something like, “few know success without risk.”
From what I have known I would have to heartily agree with that.  So much that I do is stepping out into the unknown.  By its very nature unknown involves risk.  I do all I can to mitigate circumstances.  I try and think about and prepare for every variation on the theme that I have in my mind.
In fact often I write FAQ’s or “Frequently Asked Questions.”  I try to cover every possibility. The fact is no one is really asking the questions yet except me.  As much as possible I try to consider all possibilities.  Yet the fact of the matter is situations can arise I am not prepared for.  In those cases, I try to call on what is right for the circumstance.  Often it needs to be done quickly, and the upshot is I need to live with the consequences.
What someone said to me decades ago comes to mind.  Someone in the 16th century was hiring a carriage driver.  Four drivers turned up.  The course to take in the trial was shown to the drivers and was visible to the hirer.  Three drivers went for it big time.  Up on two wheels.  Completing the course in no time at all.  The fourth driver took his time.  He was obviously competent but took in mind the horses health and the potential wellbeing of the travellers.  He got the job.  When asked why, the hirer said, “It’s not how close to danger you can go, but how far you can keep from it.”
I admit I have had that as a saying for life.  In experiencing success, I have tried to minimise risk or as the boy scouts used to say ,“be prepared.”  That sort of thing has not always eliminated disaster, but it has helped to avoid many disasters.
I know I will take on future risks but as much as possible I like to be prepared.  I do not know what the future may hold but I do know who holds my future.  It’s a partnership.  I do what I can, and he does the rest.