Preparation Is The Key To Success

Success does not come easy. You need to be passionate about success. There is lot of preparation and practice that goes into preparation. Sachin Tendulkar is God of Cricket not for nothing. For the full 24 years, he used to hit the gym regularly, each day. Even at the height of their success, successful people don't get complacent. They gauge their achievements and practice accordingly. Writing on preparation reminds me the most famous episode of Shivaji-Afzal Khan fight. We all see the result that Shivaji killed Afzal Khan. In true spirit of the words, it was like David Vs Goliath. The whole India took notice of the incidence even at that point. 

But we only look at the result. It was not easy to sit on the fort when his opponent was destroying temples along his way to Wai. Even after trying different things, Afzal Khan could not induce Shivaji into coming on open ground. This whole thing was a plan laid upon by Shivaji. He drew Afzal Khan in the jungles of Wai, where no ammunition could be taken on hills. He prepared his men to fight the army. All the plans were discussed with key men, all the responsibilities were thrusted. But somehow Shivaji's people were not happy. The spirit was missing. The confidence that they can beat Afzal Khan was missing. They feared about the outcome of the direct dual between Shivaji & Afzal Khan when whole of India knew the physical body and power of Afzal Khan. 

But Shivaji was confident of his plans. To give confidence to his people, one day he woke up from sleep and told his near ones that he had a dream and Mother Bhavani came in her dreams to give him blessings of a win over Afzal Khan. This directly increased the confidence of his people. The people started believing in themselves and backed themselves to win over the enemy. When Goddess herself is behind them, then why fear. After the aftermath of Afzal Khan, Jijamata was very happy on the win. She wanted revenge and Shivaji gave her that himself. He killed Afzal Khan with his hands. On asking Shivaji, how did he do it, he explained all the preparation that into it. 

They sent spies in enemy camp to know the exact size of Afzal Khan. They selected one man from Marathas who was of the same size & strength of Afzal Khan. Shivaji practiced with him different positions from where Afzal Khan can attack. Counter moves were planned. How to meet & greet him with least risk and how to come out of the attack. Everything was planned and preparations were done accordingly. It was not for nothing that he wore the steel wire jacket inside his clothes. He cut his beard so that no pulling can be done. He also chose arms which could be hidden into daily clothes.

If we are even 10 % at planning our activities, we too would get success. Preparation to complete things after planning is utmost importance. Prepare until it becomes your habit. Your body should not think but directly do the needful. This is the level of preparation that is required.