Recently the outfit I work for made a move to a new building which put my office in a position of working without many of the creature comforts we customarily enjoy. We managed to maintain the consistently high level of productivity as we’re blessed to be a crew of similarly-ethic-ed hard-working individuals.

Of course we are excited to get back all of our bins, office supplies, and organization we were accustomed. However, our resolve to work diligently and create quality product has been the key to our success through all weather. We are prepared for the work, but more importantly, able and willing to pull the proverbial trigger at the right moments.

I previously worked where you could conceivably put off proving your abilities for weeks as you ask for office supplies and other items of environmental preference. They needed matching mesh bins, they needed specific drawer organizers, they needed a special type of computer mouse, and so on. Somehow matching mesh organizers were going to make them better sales people, and they just can’t get out there and rally business without the proper receptacle for their pens.

They would follow up their fulfilled supply list requests with the need to expense meals. That’s a common and effective practice for salesmanship. Many lunches and happy hours executed; very little moment in the revenue generating horizon. When one has not put any effort into learning the product, the lingo, or the client, it’s just free lunch for everyone but the boss.

Ultimately, many never made the grade and were let go after months passed and business did not pick up despite the expensed materials and outings.

I have several entrepreneurial friends and acquaintances. Those who are successful share a trait: nose to the grindstone ability and willingness. Those who are not as successful share a different characteristic: excessive purchasing and setting up of meaningless material business cliches not crucial to their needed infrastructure.

Even in personal lives and endeavors I find the same true. There are those who do with what they have and those who hoard until that perfect moment to act that never arrives.

The preparation needed to succeed personally or professionally is mental preparedness. Understanding and metabolizing the reality of the levels of stamina, sweat, confidence and sacrifice necessary is the most difficult facet of readiness.

When your foundation revolves around pens, paint, chairs, new house, and other outside material influences, it simply becomes an endless cycle of procrastination. You’ll forever have a reason outside of yourself for your failure to act and to take responsibility for the fortune that comes your way in life.

Be prepared to act at the opportunities before you. Be prepared to put footprints in the sand before stamping concrete with your mark.