When I was ten, my family took a vacation to Colorado, and we decided to hike a mountain trail. None of us were experienced hikers. We figured, what’s the worst that could happen?

On the map, the trail looked easy, and there was even a waterfall at the end. For the first couple of hours, everything went smoothly. I remember noticing every group we passed carried far more gear than we did: backpacks, ponchos, walking sticks. I couldn’t figure out why anyone needed all of that. We were doing just fine.

Then the clouds started to darken. No one had checked the forecast before we left, and the higher we climbed, the colder it got. But we were stubborn. We were going to see that waterfall, even if it rained.

It did. Rain poured down, followed by lightning and thunder, and we had no choice but to turn back. My parents kept telling me we were fine, but I was freezing and soaked, and I watched my family slip and stumble down a trail that had turned to mud. Ten-year-old me knew we were anything but fine.

We all made it home safely, but looking back, the whole mess could have been avoided. Five minutes checking the weather, a few ponchos and an extra layer would have changed everything.

FFA members, life works the same way. Whether it’s a contest, a big shop project or test, an interview or a speech, the people who succeed aren’t always the most talented. They’re the ones who prepared when no one was making them.

So before your next big moment, check the forecast. Pack the poncho. The waterfall is worth reaching, and preparation is how you get there.