Is success a result of luck? Success is a combination of skill and good fortune. Fortunately, luck isn’t just a matter of chance. You can increase your odds of getting lucky to the point where it almost feels inevitable.
There are different types of luck, and most can be influenced. First, there’s blind luck, the kind that just happens, outside your control. It’s what most people mean when they talk about luck.
Then there’s the luck that comes from being persistent. If you work hard, take risks, and create opportunities, you expand your "luck surface area". This is where hustle meets serendipity, you create enough momentum for luck to find you.
Another way to find luck is by developing expertise. Skilled people are more likely to recognise a lucky break. It’s not that the opportunities weren’t there for others; they just didn’t see them. You become luckier simply because you’re more attuned to the signals.
Finally, there’s luck that comes to you because of your unique brand or reputation. If you’re the best at what you do, people will bring their luck to you. Imagine you’re a world-class locksmith. One day, someone stumbles upon an ancient, mysterious safe that no one can open. Their discovery becomes your lucky break when they seek your help, and you benefit from it.
But here’s the key: always recognise the role of luck in your success. Don’t underestimate the impact of factors beyond your control. Stay humble, and keep a nuanced perspective. Success is part skill, part timing, and part being open to the opportunities that luck presents.