Online Reporter
Ruva was a young lady, who had a strong passion in arts. For years, she had dreamed of taking her work as a spoken word artist beyond borders. She rehearsed in front of mirrors, shared clips online, and often whispered affirmations to herself at night. “One day, I’ll perform on an international stage,” she would say.
That day came sooner than expected.
One Monday morning, she received an email from a global arts organisation inviting her to perform at a prestigious cultural festival in Berlin. All expenses paid. A global audience. Career-changing exposure. It was everything she had dreamed of — and more.
There was only one catch: they needed her passport details by Wednesday for travel processing.
Excitedly, Ruva reached for her documents, only to find her passport had expired eight months ago.
She had known it needed renewal. She had even penned it in her diary twice. But with each passing week, life got busy. She told herself she’d do it “next week” — then the week after that. The embassy’s appointment was in four days — far too late for her.
Just like that, the opportunity of a lifetime slipped through her fingers. Not because she wasn’t gifted. Not because she wasn’t chosen. But because she wasn’t prepared.
This wise words from Sir Winston Churchill become relevant when he said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”
In this very short span that I’ve been on earth, I have come to learn that life rewards those who not only dream but also prepare. There are indeed moments in life when everything aligns — a dream you’ve silently nurtured, an unexpected invitation, or a door flung wide open that could change your life forever. But what happens when you’re not ready?
Ruva’s story is a sobering reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. We often associate preparation with boring, tedious tasks. But sometimes, that “boring task” — like renewing a passport, is the very thing standing between you and your breakthrough.
Preparation is more than organisation — it’s faith in action. It says, “I believe my moment will come, so I will be ready when it does.”
Here are the key lessons that can be derived from Ruva’s Story
n Preparation is part of purpose
Maintaining readiness indicates belief in your own calling. It is crucial to keep documents updatedn and skills well-rehearsed.
n Procrastination hides behind good intentions
Procrastination wears a friendly mask, telling you, “Later is fine.” Ruva did not ignore her passport. She postponed. But in a world of deadlines and tight turnarounds, “later” can mean “never.”
n Opportunity doesn’t always knock twice
In Shona Language we say, Mudzimu haupe kaviri, meaning, some doors open only once. Opportunities can be fleeting and time bound. Missing one due to lack of readiness can cost you years. The world moves fast, and while there will always be more opportunities, some are once-in-a-lifetime.
How do we stay ready for opportunities?
n Do a life admin check: Are your key documents (passport, certificates, licenses) up to date?
n Have a “ready folder”: Keep digital copies of important documents in one place.
n Prepare before the opportunity arrives: If you’re waiting for a call, an invite, or a breakthrough — start preparing as if it’s already en route.
Key to note is that time taken for preparation is never time wasted. In fact, preparation is the silent groundwork of greatness. Like the roots of a tree, it may not be visible, but it is essential.
Don’t let procrastination rob you of the life you have been working towards. Prepare — not out of fear, but out of faith that your moment will come. Because when it does, the only thing worse than not being chosen… is being chosen but not ready.
For feedback contact Mildred Mutize on [email protected]/ +263773637284
