245 - Get Ready, Live Ready

5 snips

Sep 2, 2025

Discover the art of readiness as a way to live with ease and flexibility. Learn how simple systems and habits can be your best defense against unexpected challenges. From having go bags to maintaining a clutter-free home, preparation fosters peace and reduces last-minute stress. Explore how professionals like pilots and paramedics rely on routines for success, and embrace the Buffer Principle to give yourself a cushion against life's surprises. Get ready to transform your daily life into a smoother, more joyful experience!

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Readiness Lowers Stress And Builds Muscle Memory

Readiness reduces stress because the work is the same whether done early or late.
Staying ready builds muscle memory and calm so you can handle surprises without panic.

ANECDOTE

New Parents Practice For Delivery

Jill describes new parents packing bags and running drills to prepare for labor.
Practicing the routine reduces scrambled thinking when the real event occurs.

INSIGHT

Preparation Protects Opportunities And Confidence

Preparing ahead prevents missed opportunities and scrambling when chances appear.
Readiness preserves confidence and improves the quality of what you deliver.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

If You Stay Ready, You Don’t Have to Get Ready

Readiness isn’t about living in constant alert—it’s about designing a life that runs smoothly even when the unexpected happens. This episode explores how building systems, habits, and simple routines can eliminate last-minute stress and open up room for calm, flexibility, and opportunity. Staying ready is an act of self-kindness, not self-discipline.

Stress-Free Living Through Systems
Having go bags, pre-packed kits, and weekly rituals can reduce the pressure of unexpected events. Whether it’s travel, work projects, or emergencies, simple preparation brings peace.

Why Last-Minute Wins Come at a Cost
Waiting until the deadline or emergency might feel productive, but it creates drama, reduces quality, and chips away at confidence. Preparation removes panic and prevents mistakes.

Professions That Rely on Constant Readiness
From pilots to paramedics, success depends on consistent training and flawless routines. The same mindset—checklists, drills, muscle memory—can be applied in everyday life.

The Buffer Principle
Time, energy, and money buffers make space for the unexpected. A little margin built into the day allows for mistakes, delays, or surprises without creating a crisis.

Readiness as a Lifestyle, Not a Burden
Packing bags after travel, setting out clothes the night before, or keeping the house visitor-ready isn’t about control—it’s about making life easier and more joyful.

Takeaways

Preparation isn’t about being rigid or anxious—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to say yes to life’s opportunities without scrambling. A packed suitcase, a charged camera, a clean home, or a ready-to-go document isn’t about being obsessive—it’s about being kind to the version of yourself that has to handle tomorrow. Creating systems, building buffers, and simplifying routines make everyday life feel lighter and more manageable.

Being ready means less stress, better sleep, fewer forgotten tasks, and more room for the things that matter. With just one repeatable habit at a time, readiness becomes a source of calm instead of pressure.
https://startwithsmallsteps.com/245-get-ready-live-ready/

Jill’s Links
https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

By choosing to watch this video or listen to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are doing so of your own free will. The content shared here reflects personal experiences and opinions and is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a licensed healthcare provider, psychiatrist, or counselor. Any advice or suggestions offered should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.