"运气是准备遇到机会。"

At its heart, this quote is all about being ready when the right moment comes along. It’s like saying, "You make your own luck." You prepare, you work hard, and when the right chance presents itself, you grab it. But if you haven't put in the work beforehand, that opportunity might just pass you by.

Imagine Thomas Edison working on the light bulb. For years, he experimented, failed, and tried again. His preparation—those countless experiments and his relentless determination—set the stage for his big moment. When the opportunity to perfect the light bulb design came, he was ready. His "luck" in inventing the light bulb wasn't luck at all; it was a direct result of his hard work and preparation.

Let’s take a more down-to-earth example. Think about a job interview. You've been out of work for a bit, and then you see this perfect job listing. What do you do? If you’ve spent the past few months updating your resume, honing your skills, and researching your industry, you’re prepared. When you get called in for that interview, you're ready to shine. On the other hand, if you’ve been watching TV and lounging around, that opportunity isn't going to mean much. You won't be ready to show your best self.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by identifying what you want. Once you know what your goals are, lay out what you need to do to achieve them. If you want to be a great writer, start writing every day. Read books, take courses, join writing groups. Prepare yourself. When the opportunity comes—let’s say a writing contest or a chance to write for a local magazine—you’ll be ready.

Here's a story to bring this idea to life: Sarah loved baking. She baked for her friends, her family, and sometimes even for her neighbors. She read recipes, experimented with flavors, and perfected her techniques. One day, a local café announced they were looking for a new baker. Sarah saw the ad and immediately knew this was her chance. Because she had been preparing—trying new recipes, getting feedback, tweaking her methods—she was ready. She applied, showed them her portfolio of baked goods, and landed the job. It wasn't just about luck. Sarah's preparation met the opportunity, and she was ready to seize it.

In your own life, think about where you want to be. What skills do you need? What knowledge should you have? Start preparing now. Don’t wait for the opportunity to come first. Be proactive. It’s like building a bridge—piece by piece, you’re getting closer to your goal. And when the opportunity finally comes, you'll be able to cross that bridge confidently.

So, let's recap: Being prepared is key. Work on your skills, gather your knowledge, and stay ready. That way, when opportunity knocks, you'll be all set to open the door. And remember, what looks like luck to others is often just a result of hard work and readiness.