There was so much noise around the Super Bowl last week involving Wayne and Kendrick Lamar it was difficult to dissect it all.
We beat that topic to death!
Sometimes when we have explosive discourses you quickly realize that it’s simply a matter of interpretation rather than who is wrong or right or even whose side you are on.
The common theme that struck me personally was the constant rhetoric that Wayne is ‘The GOAT’… but he simply:
“is not ready for the big stage”.
JBP Hot Take????????
Joe Budden “I don’t think Lil Wayne is healthy enough to do the Super Bowl”
???? @JoeBuddenPod ????#JoeBudden #LilWayne #JBP pic.twitter.com/C4xUGB203I
— Chris (@RealDealChris) September 11, 2024
Disclaimer: None of us can say without a shadow of a doubt what Wayne is ready for and by extension, I have no intention of giving an opinion on that.
I couldn’t help but think about how I have protected myself from opinions like that one throughout my professional life.
I have been privileged enough to have experienced both sides of the professional game, 12 years of entrepreneurship within the media and retail space, and an extensive career in finance while in corporate.
On the corporate side, it was essential for me always to move forward and never remain stagnant.
Stagnation was where corporate careers go to die, so this meant I always had to stay ready so I didn’t have to get ready when that amazing opportunity came.
The last thing I want to here is …
“Petra you are good, but you arent ready”.
Below is a list of things I have worked on throughout my professional (and personal) life that have helped me to avoid the “you aren’t ready’ box.
1. Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Stay curious and keep updating your skills is my motto.
Chile I know an online school or little cute course hate to see me coming because as long as it’s affordable and I trust the institution or coach, I will take the class.
Books, podcasts, workshops, and lately conferences are crucial to my personal and professional development.
2. Maintain a Strong Routine
Struggle bus!
I am not perfect but I have noticed that every time I establish a daily routine that includes productive habits like planning, goal setting, and self-care I am more productive.
A consistent routine ensures that I am physically and mentally ready when unexpected tasks arise but staying consistent is something I am constantly working on.
3. Practice Time Management
Prioritizing my tasks effectively, and always allocating time for unexpected responsibilities is part of number 3 but necessary, especially in the media space. Good time management ensures that I am organized and can pivot to a new task when necessary without getting overwhelmed.
4. Keep a Positive and Adaptable Mindset
This is huge! Indulging in negativity kills my whole vibe so I have to actively cultivate a mindset of resilience and adaptability.
Being mentally flexible allows me to approach unexpected challenges with a problem-solving attitude rather than being caught off guard and flying off the handle.
Some days are harder than others but when you align yourself spiritually it gets easier!
More on that later.
5. Stay Physically Fit
Just call me the queen of the gym girlies because I am alllllllwaaaays in the gym, but I have NOT always been healthy.
You know that person who is always talking about a deadlift but doesn’t look like they deadlift? – Yup that’s me!
After a tumultuous end of the year last year healthwise I took the bull by the horns this year.
I Prioritized my health through regular exercise AND a healthy diet, which is where my struggle was.
This year I created an all-around diet and exercise program that includes daily walks after meals that have served me in ways I would have to explain to you in a whole different post. (let me know on social if you would like me to share).
So far I can report:
High energy – Check
Weight loss – BIG check
Confidence – Check
Mental health – CHECK
6. Network and Build Relationships
The relationships I have maintained over the years are priceless! I have a strong professional network within corporate and outside of corporate.
Remember I said that remaining stagnant was no no for me, this also means leaning on the people around me for practical ways I can maneuver professionally.
Building relationships with others in your field can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and resources that help you stay informed and prepared.
and finally!
7. Seeking God in EVERYTHING
I went to a women’s conference yesterday and saw Dr. Opal Lee for the first time. Dr. Opal is the grandmother of Juneteenth and while on stage she was asked what her secret was to longevity…she is 97 BTW.
She said, “Honey I ain’t got no secrets, but there is a God that orders your steps…”
And in that moment I said amen because I CANNOT do anything without first giving God the Glory for where I am and how far I’ve come and asking him to order every step I take.
New promotion? Lord, how do I prepare? Is this for me? remove it from me if it’s not for me!
I have lost friends, coworkers, colleagues, and mentors simply because I actively seek guidance from God about the people who need to move around.
I am not going to preach to you all too much on this good Monday but do not let the social media posts, fool you…… ‘life be lifing”!
So when I tap out, my SOURCE taps in every time!
With that said, what does your list look like? How do you ‘stay ready so you do not have to get ready’ when they call you to the big stage?
Let me know on social media
Oh and here is a snip of Dr. Opal’s segment on stage, I apologize in advance for the audio:
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