While skimming my Facebook feed last night I came across a Maria Shriver conversation with retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. I loved the informality of it all. Cleary, they have a wonderful relationship. I hope you’ll watch the video below.
At one point, Shriver tells a story of being nervous when testifying before the court. Justice O’Connor asked her what she was nervous about, reminding Maria that she was prepared, she knew what she was doing and she should just go and get it done. As they briefly recalled that incident, the Justice said:
“Get prepared and do it.”
I thought it was interesting that she did not say. “Be prepared and do it.”
She said, “Get prepared and do it.”
Food For Thought
“Get prepared” has a different meaning than “be prepared”, doesn’t it? Get prepared requires, no, demands action. Learn what you need to learn. Practice what needs to practiced. Get prepared. Know your audience. Understand their perspective. Get prepared. Hone your presentation skills. Build your confidence. Get prepared.
I looked up the definition of “be” and “get” and the difference made Justice O’Connor’s short statement that much more powerful.
“Be” is to exist.
“Get” is to succeed in attaining.
What about you? What are you a little nervous about? What challenge are you facing? What are you trying to get done?
Get prepared and do it.
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