Preparing while I have the chance

I heard something today which definitely impacted me.  I have heard similar before but never heard it put so succinctly.  It was said the time to prepare for personal battles (whatever that may be – individuals know their own problem areas) is not during the heat of the battle, but before the battle.
That so made sense to me.  If I were going to box a boxer of repute (and that would not happen.  I have had two fist fights in my youth and lost them both) the time for learning the craft is not in the midst of the fight.  I reckon I would go down in a heap in seconds.
The time to learn my craft would be before I faced them.  It is only as I practice and build up my strength and skill levels, I have a chance. 
Trying to wage war unprepared is a recipe for disaster.  It seems to be why I am seeing so many nations bolster their fighting resources.  Nations hope it will not come to a fight, but they do not want to be caught totally unawares.
I know my areas of weakness.  I know where defences need strengthening.  I should do it before a fight.  It is not that I expect the worst, but I am prepared for the worst.  When I face adversity, which I will in problem areas as sure as night follows day, it is sure to be all too much for me.  But that won’t happen as long as I have prepared when I had the chance.  Before engaging in the fight.
It is really not a radical thought.  I always practice before performing.  I remember the first time I had a mic. set up in front of me.  I looked at it and thought, “what if it needs adjusting?”  I also remember the first time I opened the doors of the train carriage.  I was full of “what if’s?” and wondered if it was a bridge too far.
The more I handled the mic. and the more I opened the doors the better I got.  In fact, I was often in such a hurry to get off the train I was often the one who opened the doors.  I loved train trips, but when it was over it was over and time for me to move on.
Performers in America’s Got Talent or whatever country it is, do not do amazing performances for the first time on the show.  They have practiced and honed their skills so that when they were on stage, they are ready.
It is the same for me.  I may not be in the public eye, but for me my wins and losses are just as real.  I much prefer a win to a loss.  I definitely improve my chances if I practice.