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"Shallow men believe in luck...Strong men believe in cause and effect." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've always been very intrigued by this concept. I really do not believe in luck. Some find it funny when I say that…

I've been studying leadership for over 20 years now. Those people who are successful in the long run are those who don't leave things to chance. I find that there are certainly circumstances in life, that tend to give an advantage towards success, but for the most part, those most prepared for the circumstance or situations they experience have a much more positive outcome.

Now why and what relevance does this have for you and I and even more importantly, the kids sitting in the classrooms just down the hall from me today?

The how we live our lives, and the preparation for our lives is what makes all the difference.

One of the many things I am really proud of as I wrap up this chapter in my life, is that there is a system and culture in place that the students experience here that facilitates being prepared. It is a culture that doesn't look at them in just one aspect of their life- it is one that works to develop the complete person.  We look and prepare everything from academic readiness to a greater sense of our self by giving back to others, to being fair and respectful. Now I am not naive enough to think everyone has got it, but I do know that all have had a chance to prepare and experience it.

That could make all the difference in the world.

Winston Churchill once said, " However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results." As we prepare our first class of graduates to sprint to the finish line, I am so impressed with their results, overwhelmed by their desire, and humbled by their preparedness.

In our own lives, it is good to step back and look how most of the decisions in our life did not come by chance, they came by purpose. The amount we are prepared is a direct correlation to the joy we experience in life. Today I had to stop and think about how I am teaching Brock to be ready....prepared. In his heart, mind, actions, and soul, what am I doing as a dad to show him an example of being prepared and every once in a while when the circumstances are right...grabbing the moment and making it all it can be.

"For most people, the limitations they face aren't on the outside, they are on the inside." - John Maxwell

Once a Leopard, always a Leopard.