Our level of preparation determines our success — and you rarely get everything right on the very first try.

As Abraham Lincoln reportedly put it: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Rushing in unprepared is just wasted effort. Spend the first four hours wisely, and the last two take care of themselves.

Skimp on preparation and success becomes a far-fetched dream. So pick something you truly want, and work hard at getting ready for it.

Investing works the same way. With enough preparation, your investments can grow over time — and even when they don't, you walk away with lessons you wouldn't have learned otherwise.

It is much like farming: a farmer spends the season finding the right soil, the right time of year, and the best seeds, then feeds the plants and makes sure they get the right sunlight and water. Only then can a good harvest be expected.