Photo caption: our orientation guide gave us a tour around Paris. During university, I completed an academic exchange there. It was filled with many good memories. Friendships, travel, studies, and European culture were some of the highlights. My favourite part though: walking down those streets.

I went to Paris on an academic exchange and it required a lot of preparation.

I submitted documents for a travelling Visa, found a place to live, and selected my university courses, among other things.

Whether we plan a big trip abroad, start a new job, or head off on a mission trip, leaders can be proactive by preparing well. Good preparation leads to good execution. 

How can we prepare well for the next big thing? 

Dream Big

Before undertaking a new adventure, I found it helpful to reflect and dream. I’ve gone for a nice walk, sat by the lake, or journaled in a coffee shop while asking some big questions. What do I want to get out of this opportunity? What is my great expectation and dream for this venture? What are a few hopes I have? I wrote about taking the time to dream here. I find this gives us perspective.

Recognize Emotions

I experienced a lot of ups and downs before going to Paris. One day, excitement; seeing the different places I could visit. Another day, stressed; seeing how expensive lodging is within the city’s arrondissements. Then I had some doubts—would I meet good people or connect well with the teachers at school? All that to say, with any upcoming opportunity, we have to recognize our emotions. We might feel excited and happy, other times nervous and down. It’s part of the journey. If we recognize our emotions, we can feel them and move on saying, “This doesn’t define my trip, it’s just part of the anticipation.”

Build Virtue

We might have a month or two, or even half a year when we are preparing for that next big thing. In my experience, I get really excited and cannot wait to start something new. Rather than wait impatiently, I’ve learned to reflect on one or two areas I wish to grow as a person before I begin my adventure. For example, leading up to my time in Paris, I studied French for a semester. That gave me some language skills for asking, “Est-ce que je pourrais avoir un croissant?”

Live in the Present

I think it’s important to dream for the future yet live in the present. In my experience it is good to prepare, but not over prepare. We might be excited for our next adventure, however we really only have the present moment to live. Are their relationships we can continue to build before our transition occurs? Is there a hobby that we can enjoy doing in the meantime? Are we in need of rest? Those are just some things we can think about.

What will help you prepare for the next big thing?