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Story Archives: Success follows when preparation meets opportunity


Success follows when preparation meets opportunity
by Robert Charles Payne - posted Thursday, October 8th, 2009 @ 9:30 amE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
I thrive on motivational material. I search the internet looking for bits and pieces concerning inspiration, motivation, and human interest stories.

I don't know how many of you have ever heard of Paul Potts, but he won England's version of The American Idol. He sung the opera song, Nessum Dorma. The skeptical judges were shocked with his voice. He stunned the audience. He moved everyone to tears. Every time I watch this video, I sob like a baby. Not sobs of pain, but sobs for a man who moves me emotionally. He overcame his obstacles. Paul Potts is living his dream. He followed his passion.

Kevin Skinner chased chickens for employment. When Kevin Skinner told the judges of America's Got Talent that he was a chicken catcher, the audience and judges laughed. They thought he was kidding. Very few people in the audience had ever heard of a chicken catcher. When Kevin spoke, he had a drawl that stretched his words in a slow roll off his tongue. He said that he loved to sit on his porch back home; singing and playing his guitar. Kevin Skinner is a gentleman and genuine country boy.

He mesmerized the judges. He stole the audience's heart. He captured your full attention the moment he began to sing. Each night that Skinner sung, his voice pulled at your heart strings. Kevin Skinner climbed the ladder of competition into the finals; and he won. He was transformed from a poor ole' country boy to a millionaire. Kevin Skinner had won $1 million. As the winner, he would also sign a contract to perform in Las Vegas.

Skinner never allowed his dream to die. He just kept singing and picking his guitar on the front porch dreaming that one day he would be singing to millions. His vision materialized when opportunity came knocking.

When Terry Fator, a ventriloquist, won Britain's version of the American Idol, he, too won $1 million. But his story does not end there. Several years later, he was signed to a five-year, $100 million contract for him to perform in Las Vegas. He had been preparing for 32 years for his opportunity.

Tate Fortier, the freshman quarterback from the University of Michigan, played like a seasoned veteran in their win over Notre Dame. When Fortier was being interviewed after the game, he was asked if he was nervous during the game. He answered quickly, "No. I have been preparing for this all of my life."

Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots, started out as a backup in high school, college and the pros. In high school his best friend was the starting quarterback. Brady was his back-up. His friend quit the team to concentrate on basketball. Brady was ready. He became a star, but this recognition did not convince any major universities to sign him. His father made films of Brady and mailed them to universities all over the country. Michigan showed interest, so Brady went to Michigan. Again he was a back-up until his senior year. Again, he became a star, but the pros showed very little interest in him. He was picked as the 199th draft choice in the seventh round.

Brady started his professional career as he did everywhere else; a backup. This time he was the backup for Drew Bledsoe. When Bledsoe was injured, Brady was ready. He became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the history of professional football. All-Pro, MVP, Pro Bowl, Super Bowl Champion and the holder of many records. Brady was always prepared for his opportunities again and again.

Success is when preparation meets opportunity.

Robert Charles Payne is an inspirational writer who lives in West Monroe. He can be contacted by e-mailing robertcharlespayne@yahoo.com.
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