good passage on preparedness and mentality:
You have probably heard the phrases “don’t panic” or “keep calm” quite a few times by now; I want you to disregard them. More specifically, I invite you to be appropriately concerned. We will be charting a middle course between the rocky shores of panic and complacency. In psychology, there is a well-known phenomenon where moderate levels of anxiety lead to the best performance. Think of it this way: if you have a test coming up and you are super relaxed about it and do not study, you will not do well. Similarly, if you have a test coming up and you are flooded with panic and anxiety while taking it, you will not do well. On average, your best performance will occur when you are moderately anxious. Be alert and concerned enough to be careful and engaged, but not so anxious or fearful as to be flooded and overwhelmed. This is what I mean by appropriately concerned.