Luck is a Quality
When I was younger, I was often told - "Luck is quality". I hadn't put much thought into it back then. It sounded cool and helped me gather the courage to leave my comfort zone. Later in life, I realized I was right. "Luck is quality" Here is why I think so.
Let's break down the concept of luck. What is it? In my view, luck is a blend of two crucial components:
- Opportunity
- Ability to convert that opportunity into a success
"Luck" is compounding. The more successful you are, the more opportunities arrive, and you gain more skills and abilities to take advantage of those.
So, how do we become "lucky"?
- Step out of your comfort zone. Luck rarely comes knocking at your door while you're sitting at home. It is found in the field, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, in the effort of pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons.
- Educate yourself. Luck favors the prepared mind. Cultivate specific knowledge and skills pertinent to your goals. This will increase your odds of recognizing and seizing opportunities when they arise.
The risk lies in assuming invincibility amidst a streak of successes. One might start to believe that their good fortune is limitless or that they've mastered all there is. They may overlook the need to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving dynamics of their field.
(I'd recommend reading "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" ? and "Quit" ? on this subject)
So, what should you do when you're on a roll?
- Seize more opportunities. Luck breeds luck. Use your existing momentum to explore further avenues for growth and success.
- Pay It Forward. Extend your support to others, fostering a culture of shared success and mutual growth.
- Exercise caution. Balance is key. Avoid overextending yourself. Don't mistake luck for skills. Keep these tips in mind:
- Steer clear of illegal or immoral actions.
- Dodge actions that might lead to bankruptcy.
- Avoid actions you'd be ashamed to share with a trusted friend.
- Resist believing that things will work out without effort.
- And lastly, guard against envy which leads to status games and greed.
Remember, luck is not a mystical force that arbitrarily blesses some while overlooking others. Instead, it's a product of hard work, skill, and an opportunistic mindset. So go ahead, make your luck, and create a path toward success.
If you have any questions or comments, you can ping me on LinkedIn, Mastodon or Twitter.