You know, I’ve seen it time and again: “Opportunities come to those who prepare” is the absolute truth. It’s the difference between watching the game from the sidelines and actually getting in and scoring. Let’s break down why this Kiyosaki gem hits so hard.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote flips the script on a common misconception. It’s not about passive waiting; it’s about active creation. The prize doesn’t go to the most patient person in the room, but to the most prepared.
Explanation
Look, I’ve been in enough boardrooms and startup pitches to see this play out. The person who lands the big account? They didn’t just wait for the phone to ring. They had already studied the client’s business, anticipated their needs, and built the skills to deliver. That’s preparation. Waiting is hoping the market will change in your favor. Preparing is building a boat so you’re ready no matter which way the tide turns. It’s a fundamental shift in mindset from being a passive observer to an active participant in your own life.
Quote Summary
Reading Level65
Aesthetic Score78
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Robert T. Kiyosaki’s 2015 book, Why the Rich Are Getting Richer. You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments attributed to others, like motivational speaker Wayne Dyer, but this specific phrasing is Kiyosaki’s, rooted in his teachings about financial education and proactive wealth-building.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Born in Hilo, Hawaii, Robert T. Kiyosaki graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and served as a Marine Corps helicopter gunship pilot in Vietnam. After stints at Xerox and entrepreneurial ventures, he turned to financial education, co-authoring Rich Dad Poor Dad in 1997 and launching the Rich Dad brand. He invests in real estate and commodities and hosts the Rich Dad Radio Show. The Robert T. Kiyosaki book list spans personal finance classics like Cashflow Quadrant and Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing, along with educational games and seminars.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Opportunities come to those who prepare, not to those who wait |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2017, ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781612680811, Last edition: 1st Edition, Number of pages: 256 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 8, Readiness and Reward, page 142 |
Context
In the book, Kiyosaki uses this idea to hammer home why traditional “go to school, get a job, save money” advice is a form of waiting. He argues the rich get richer because they are constantly preparing—learning about cashflow, assets, and investing—so they’re ready to pounce when an opportunity, like a market crash, presents itself. Everyone else is just waiting for their paycheck.
Usage Examples
This isn’t just theory. Here’s how it works in the wild:
- For an Entrepreneur: You don’t wait for funding to magically appear. You prepare by meticulously building your business model, understanding your metrics, and networking with potential investors before you even need the cash. When you meet the right person, you’re not pitching an idea; you’re presenting a ready-to-execute plan.
- For a Career Climber: You don’t wait for a promotion to be announced. You prepare by taking on projects that stretch your skills, learning the parts of the business you’re not responsible for, and building relationships with leaders. When the role opens up, you’re the obvious, prepared choice.
- For a Student: You don’t wait until graduation to figure out your career. You prepare by doing internships, building a portfolio, and learning industry-relevant skills on the side. You’re not just waiting for a diploma; you’re building a resume that makes you the opportunity.
To whom it appeals?
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FAQ
Question: Isn’t this just the same as “luck is when preparation meets opportunity”?
Answer: It’s a close cousin, for sure. But Kiyosaki’s version is more aggressive. It completely dismisses the “waiting” part. It says preparation *is* the active ingredient that actually attracts the opportunity, not just something you hope to have when luck strikes.
Question: How do you even start “preparing” when you don’t know what the opportunity will be?
Answer: Great question. You prepare broadly. Build a wide base of knowledge. Develop transferable skills like communication, sales, and financial literacy. Strengthen your network. This isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about building a versatile toolkit that will be valuable no matter what specific opportunity comes your way.
Question: Does this mean you should never rest or be patient?
Answer: Not at all. Patience is a virtue, but it’s not a strategy. Strategic rest is part of preparation. But there’s a huge difference between recharging your batteries and just sitting on the couch waiting for your life to change. One is intentional, the other is passive.
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