This quote underscores the fundamental principle that success is not a product of chance or luck, but a result of meticulous planning and preparation. It suggests that for one to achieve any meaningful success, there must be a deliberate effort and readiness to tackle the task at hand. The term “previous preparation” implies a proactive approach, where one anticipates potential challenges and prepares to overcome them in advance.

The second part of the quote emphasizes the inevitable failure that comes with lack of preparation. In essence, it suggests that failure is not so much a consequence of poor execution, but more of inadequate or no preparation. In other words, the groundwork for failure is laid way before the actual task begins, during the preparation stage. It is a stark reminder that success cannot be achieved by winging it or leaving things to chance.

In today’s fast-paced world, this idea is more relevant than ever. Whether in personal development, academics, business, or any other field, success hinges on the level of preparation. For instance, an athlete cannot hope to win a race without rigorous training and a student cannot expect to pass an exam without adequate study. Similarly, a business cannot thrive without strategic planning and execution.

In personal development, this principle can be applied in setting and achieving goals. The preparation stage involves not just defining the goals, but also understanding what it takes to achieve them, creating a plan, and gathering the necessary resources. Without such preparation, one is likely to encounter obstacles they are not equipped to handle, leading to failure.

In conclusion, this quote is a timeless reminder that success is a process that begins long before the actual task, and that the key to achieving our goals lies in our readiness to prepare for them.