There are a lot of motivational sayings out there, but have you ever noticed how many of them revolve around words that start with the letter "P?" Here are a few that immediately come to mind:

• Progress over perfection

• Practice makes perfect

• Pay people properly

• Patience promotes progress

• Prioritize your peace

• Persistence pays off

Now, full disclosure: I only came up with a few of these, and ChatGPT/AI helped me with the rest. Regardless of who came up with them, it’s very clear that there are many ways we use the letter P to drive home the idea that planning and preparation are key.  Basically saying, in the words of a great American philosopher, we’re “Pushin’ P.”

This brings me to a mantra that’s near and dear to my heart, one I’ve lived by for years:

Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

If you prefer a cleaner version, you can simply say, "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance," but you get the point. It’s a reminder to prepare, prepare, prepare; because good things don’t just happen. Success is no accident.  It’s the result of being ready for the opportunity when it arrives.

The Power of Preparation

Preparation is critical in so many areas of life. Let's break it down:

• There’s a reason why writing things down is good. Whether it’s a to-do list, journaling, or setting a goal, writing things down is a form of preparation. It ensures you’re not forgetting anything and gives you a clear path to follow. This simple act prepares you for success by providing structure and accountability in your day-to-day life.
  

• There’s a reason why you should have a plan.  A goal without a plan is just a dream. Planning is preparation for success. Without a roadmap, it’s easy to get lost in the journey. When you have a clear plan, you’ve already laid the foundation for achieving your goal, positioning yourself for success no matter what challenges arise.
  

• There’s a reason you weigh the pros and the cons.  Before making any big decisions, you need to assess the situation. Pros and cons help you understand all sides of a decision and prepare you for the consequences of that choice. It’s about making sound, well-thought-out decisions that set you up for success, even when the decision isn’t easy.
  

• There’s a reason why you do a cost-benefit analysis.  In business, you don’t just spend money recklessly. You weigh the cost against the potential benefit. This financial preparation allows you to make decisions that align with your long-term goals and ensure that each move you make sets you up for business success.
  

• There’s a reason why you do market research.  Before launching any product or service, it’s crucial to understand your market. Are people interested in what you have to offer? Doing market research is preparing yourself for a successful launch and avoiding unnecessary risks. Success in business is built on understanding the market, which gives you a competitive edge.
  

• There’s a reason why you create a budget.  Managing money is all about preparation. A budget helps you plan for future expenses and set financial goals. Without it, you risk running out of money before you reach your goals. Having a budget prepares you for long-term financial success by ensuring you spend wisely and save effectively.
  

Preparation Leads To Success

All of these actions have one thing in common: they prepare you for success. Sure, there's no guarantee that things will always go perfectly, but being prepared greatly increases your chances. As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Every single part of success starts with preparation. Think about it:

• Want to take a trip but it’s too expensive? Budget. Proper preparation allows you to manage your money and enjoy life’s experiences without breaking the bank.
  

• Want to get in shape or staying in shape while maintaining that summer body? Workout and eat right. Preparation through consistent habits ensures long-term health and fitness success.
  

• Want to be successful in your career or business? Be disciplined and make a plan. Proper preparation means building the foundation needed for your future career or entrepreneurial success.
  

• Want to make a big purchase but it’s out of your budget? Save more, spend less, or even make more. Preparing through saving and financial discipline, or working harder and smarter to make more money puts you in a better position to afford big-ticket items without stress.

The more you reflect on this, the more you’ll realize that all the keys to success are simply different forms of preparation. It’s about doing the things that put you in the best position to succeed. You’re not just building the tools needed to reach your goals; you’re building the tools to maintain success over the long run.

Conclusion

So remember, if you’re looking for lasting success in any area of your life, take a page from the mantra that’s served me well: Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Success isn’t a stroke of luck.  It’s a result of consistent, thoughtful preparation. Whether you're building a career, starting a business, or simply trying to live your best life, preparation is a secret weapon. It’s leads to better performances, in all aspects of life.

Pushin' P and planning for greatness—let’s get it.