By Abraham Lincoln
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"I will prepare and someday my chance will come." These decisive words from one of history’s most admired leaders have inspired generations to embrace self-discipline and patience. If you have ever searched for an Abraham Lincoln quote about opportunity, you have likely seen this phrase surface—an invitation to trust in preparation during life’s waiting periods. The wisdom here feels intensely personal; it meets you in your moments of hope and uncertainty alike. Whether you are just starting out or pushing through a difficult patch, this quote points to a universal truth about possibility, timing, and resilience.
What Does This Quote Mean?
When Abraham Lincoln said, "I will prepare and someday my chance will come," he was expressing a philosophy rooted in persistence and readiness. At first glance, the statement appears straightforward: work hard and expect good things to follow. Yet, beneath the surface, this Abraham Lincoln quote about opportunity is a powerful reminder that diligent effort, not luck, is what positions us to act when the right moment finally arrives.
Literally, Lincoln is stating his intention to get ready—before there is any promise of reward or recognition. He is not waiting for the "perfect" opportunity to fall into his lap. Instead, he is choosing to be prepared ahead of time, trusting that when an opening does appear, he will have the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to seize it.
On a deeper level, this quote champions the value of unseen, often uncelebrated work. Life does not always move in predictable patterns, and waiting passively can lead to frustration or stagnation. Lincoln’s message flips that mindset: by committing to continuous growth and preparation, you create your own luck. Your chance may not come today or tomorrow, but when it does, your readiness is what will set you apart. In essence, it is the quiet, persistent work behind the scenes that eventually makes all the difference.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
Here are five real ways you can put this Abraham Lincoln quote about opportunity into action in your own day-to-day experience:
1. Skill-Building Without Deadlines
Are you waiting for a big break—maybe a job, a creative gig, or a leadership position? Use your current time to hone the skills you will need when that chance arrives. Take a class, volunteer for new assignments, or just practice on your own. Preparing now means that when an opportunity appears, you are truly ready to step up instead of scrambling to catch up.
2. Persistence Through Disappointment
Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you work, success stays out of reach. This quote is a reminder that effort is never wasted. Keep preparing, even when no one is watching. Stay open to feedback, adjust your strategy, and trust that perseverance today plants the seeds of tomorrow’s success.
3. Setting Long-Term Goals
Instead of focusing only on quick rewards, think about where you want to be years from now. Set clear, achievable steps toward those goals. Every effort—studying, networking, practicing—adds up over time. When the right moment comes, you will have built the foundation to handle it.
4. Staying Positive in Uncertainty
Life’s biggest chances often appear when you least expect them. Cultivate patience instead of frustration during "in-between" times. If you are not sure what comes next in your career, relationships, or personal life, keep preparing quietly behind the scenes. This attitude both relieves anxiety and keeps you moving forward.
5. Leading by Example
Whether you are a parent, teacher, coworker, or friend, embody Lincoln’s message by showing others the value of consistent effort. Mentor those around you, share your journey, and celebrate hard work as its own reward. You help build a culture that values preparation over shortcuts.
Living the spirit of this quote does not mean expecting life to follow a script—just that you commit to controlling what you can: your habits, attitude, and readiness. In the process, you give yourself the best shot at turning chances into achievements.
✨ The Motivation Message
Here’s the plain truth: big moments do not just land in your lap. If you want your future to hold something extraordinary, the best path is steady, quiet preparation. Every small decision, each hour you invest in yourself, counts—maybe more than you know! 🌱
You have what it takes to be ready, even if the world has not noticed your effort yet. Your dedication is like planting seeds beneath winter soil; nothing seems to happen for a while, but growth is taking root out of sight. When that opportunity appears—yes, for YOU!—all the effort you poured in will finally pay off.
So pick one thing to prepare today. Learn, practice, organize, or stretch your comfort zone. Stay persistent and proud of your progress, no matter how slow it feels. Great things favor those who are truly ready for them. Your moment could be closer than you think—go after it! 🌟
About the Author
Abraham Lincoln, who was born in 1809 and died in 1865, was the 16th president of the United States and is widely regarded as a model of integrity, determination, and humility. Born into poverty, Lincoln educated himself by reading and constant self-improvement, rising from humble beginnings to lead his nation through the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
His worldview was deeply influenced by hardship, failure, and perseverance. Lincoln believed in the transformative power of preparation, action, and honesty. The quote, "I will prepare and someday my chance will come," is more than just a motto; it was the guiding principle of his life. He faced countless setbacks—political defeats, personal loss, and national crisis—yet continued working diligently for better days.
Throughout his life and presidency, Abraham Lincoln emphasized patience, self-trust, and relentless preparation. This message remains relevant today: success is not a result of chance alone but of continuous, quiet readiness and the courage to seize the moment when it comes. His legacy reminds us all to keep preparing—even, and especially, when the future feels uncertain.
