Are You Prepared?

Are You Prepared?  What if...?

Life throws us curveballs. Whether it's a sudden change in plans, a new opportunity, or an unforeseen challenge, the question isn’t if it will happen—but when. The better question becomes: Are you prepared?

Preparation isn't just about supplies or skills—it’s a mindset. A mindset that says, “Whatever comes my way, I’ve already decided how I’ll handle it.” That may look like having a backup plan, a guiding philosophy, or a resilient attitude. Preparation minimizes the stress and struggle of decision fatigue when the unexpected hits.

Let’s explore how being prepared shows up in different areas of your work—and your life.

1. Creating the Day: Starting with Intention

The way we begin our day shapes how we interact with the world.

I like to begin my mornings with a reading from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. One passage stands out:

“You will meet people who are meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly… But I have seen the beauty of good and the ugliness of evil and have recognized that the wrongdoer has a nature related to my own... None of them can hurt me. We were born to work together like hands, feet, and eyes… To obstruct each other is unnatural.”

What do we learn from this?
That you can begin your day with compassion and intention—even if others show up with chaos. With preparation of mindset, you protect your peace.

2. Marketing: Promises You Can Keep

When marketing your services, are you prepared for a “yes”?

• Do you know how far you're willing to travel?

• Are your skills aligned with what you're offering?

• Do you have a pricing strategy ready when it comes up?

• Have you rehearsed how to highlight your value—quickly and confidently?

• And what if the job isn’t exactly as described?

Preparation means you’ve already made decisions before they’re urgent. Maybe you’ll say no, so that you can say yes to something more aligned.

3. Networking: In Person or Online

Do you have a plan when attending a conference or webinar?

• Will one hand stay free for handshakes?

• Are you wearing something with your name or brand?

• Do you know how many people you want to connect with—and how many deeper conversations you hope to have?

• On Zoom, does your screen name reflect your name and your state?

• If invited to introduce yourself, do you have a 60-second pitch ready?

Here’s mine:

Hi! I’m an authenticator of signatures and the owner of At Your Service Mobile Notary. I solve the problem of access. People need notarizations all the time—it’s a simple process, but not always easy to get. Whether you’re home after 5 PM, caring for a sick child, recovering in a hospital, or simply value privacy—I bring notarization services to you, when and where you need them.

What’s yours?

4. Answering the Call: Prepared Communication

When someone calls, are you prepared?

• Do you have a professional greeting? Mine is: “At Your Service Mobile Notary, this is Laura. How can I be of service?”

• Is your voicemail clear on who you are and the best way to get a fast response?

• Do you have an auto-text reply when you're with a client?

• When texting, do you always sign your name and reference a shared connection if one exists?

These little details say a lot about your professionalism—and preparedness.

5. Execution: Your Tools, Your Energy, Your Backups

Do you have reliable equipment and contingency plans?

• Backup printer or access to a local print shop?

• Extra toner, paper, and both sizes stocked?

• A mobile hotspot in case your home internet fails?

• A checklist to review job requirements (e.g., scan backs, payment methods)?

• Screening questions for direct clients to ensure the signer is aware, alert, and documents are ready?

And what about _you_—are you prepared?

• Did you get sleep the night before?

• Pack water and protein snacks?

• Schedule breaks to reset and recharge?

Even when I am instructing a class for the NNA we take a 30-minute lunch/mental break way from students. You need that too—whether it’s a park stop, a quiet car moment, or a short call to a loved one.

6. The Unexpected: It Will Happen

Even seasoned notaries get caught off guard.

• Ran out of toner?

• Forgot to update your calendar?

• Didn’t clarify pricing or screen the signer?

It’s happened to all of us. But what separates the overwhelmed from the prepared is this: a plan and a mindset.

When things go sideways, I take a breath and ask myself:

What’s really the obstacle?
What are my resources?
What steps will help me move forward?

And I act with belief. I remind myself: the outcome isn’t always in my control, but my actions and mindset are.

7. A Story: The Rabbi and the Umbrella

A Rabbi once gathered his congregation to pray for rain. First, he sent the strongest men to the mountaintop to lift their prayers—no rain. Then the women joined—still, no rain. The next day, he brought everyone: children, elders, animals. Still, the skies stayed clear.

Frustrated, he called out to G-D: “Everyone is here. They’re praying with all their heart. Why no rain?”

A voice from above responded: “Yes—but not one of you brought an umbrella.”

Final Thought: Belief in Action

Preparation is more than lip service. It’s belief in action.
It’s your umbrella on a sunny day, because you believe the rain will come again.

So I ask you,
Are you prepared?

Laura