Back in 2022, I set a goal of attending three in-person conferences and had joined the Maxwell Team. One of those conferences was the Do More Good conference here in Lincoln, Nebraska in May of that year.

As I shared in an earlier post, I put together a list of questions to ask people as part of my growth journey. I was looking for ways to learn from people who had experiences and perspectives I could learn from. 

After one of the workshops from the conference, I went up to the speaker and asked about his bravery in sharing his story. His willingness to share his story struck me because bravery was something I needed to work on. I wanted to understand what gave him the courage to be that vulnerable. I bought his book, thanked him, and left the conference.

And honestly, I didn't think much more about it. I certainly wasn't expecting to hear from him.

But about a week or so later, I received a phone call from him asking for feedback on the workshop. I didn't have any notes. I hadn't even realized the piece of paper on the table was for that purpose because I had been talking with the person sitting next to me when it was explained. I told him how much I had enjoyed the workshop and I appreciated what he had shared. He then asked if there was anything he could help me with.

The conversation could have ended there.

Instead, I took a chance and asked if he would be open to answering some questions I had put together. I shared that I had been interviewing people as part of my growth journey. His response surprised me. After sharing the questions, he commented on how good the questions were and said he would be happy to go through them with me.

We scheduled a couple of Zoom calls. After those calls he asked if I would be open to having him coach me. I wasn't looking for a coach. That wasn't part of my plan.

All I had done was ask a question.

One conversation led to another. And somehow, that conversation became the beginning of a valuable growth relationship. We originally planned for eight sessions and here we are four years later. I'm still not where I want to be, but I'm making progress.

When I look back at how it all happened, I realize there was more preparation involved than I initially understood. I had been preparing myself to grow. I was attending events. I was asking questions. I was learning from people. I was becoming more aware of the things I wanted to work on in myself. I just didn't know what opportunity all of that would create.

Looking back, I realize this wasn't luck.

It was preparation meeting opportunity.

I wasn't preparing to find a coach. I was simply trying to grow, learn, and be open to what came next. That experience taught me that growth often requires investing in yourself...your time, your money, your energy, and your willingness to be uncomfortable.

You don't always know where that investment will lead. You may not know what conversation will matter, which person you will meet or which question will open a door.

But you can prepare.

My challenge to you:

Start preparing today for opportunities you haven't seen yet.

-Keep a list of questions.

-Read books.

-Attend events.

-Learn from people who have gone before you or from people you admire and/or are inspired by.

-Be curious.

-Ask thoughtful questions.

-Invest time in your own growth before you know where it will lead.

You may not know when those habits will matter. You may not even recognize the opportunity when it first appears but when the right opportunity comes, you'll be more ready for it. 

What are you preparing for today that you haven't even seen yet?