How Luck Happens

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. It’s not just random chance, but a mix of hard work, talent, and being in the right place at the right time.

1. Luck is More Within Your Control Than You Think

Luck is often misunderstood as being purely random, but in reality, it’s influenced by chance, talent, and effort. While chance is out of your hands, talent and hard work are not. These elements combine to create opportunities for luck. Think of this as a slot machine where two cherries are already lined up because of your preparation – you just need the third cherry (chance) to fall into place.

The myth of luck as random often causes people to overlook their own power. For example, if you sit next to an investor at a party, that seating is chance. However, pitching your idea effectively depends on preparation and skill. Without preparation, the opportunity would pass.

Evidence shows we already have an intuitive sense for this. A survey revealed 67% believe hard work plays a big role in luck, and 64% attribute it to curiosity and seeking opportunities. This demonstrates that people can and do influence their luck by being proactive.

Examples

• An entrepreneur prepared to pitch his idea during a chance encounter with an investor.
• Athletes who practice tirelessly position themselves for lucky breaks during competitions.
• Survey data showing people acknowledge the role of effort in getting lucky.

2. Persistence and Passion Can Increase Your Luck

Persistence matters. History is full of examples of individuals who could have quit but chose to push through rejection. For example, John Grisham faced 28 publisher rejections before becoming a best-selling author with over 275 million books sold.

But persistence alone isn’t enough. Gretzky’s advice about skating to where the puck will be, not where it’s been, highlights the importance of positioning yourself for success. Opportunities cluster in certain places, and being present where these occur boosts the odds of lucky breaks.

To truly excel, sometimes you must go against the norm. High-jumper Dick Fosbury revolutionized his sport with an unconventional technique, the Fosbury Flop, which drew skepticism but won him gold and became the standard in high-jumping.

Examples

• Grisham persevered through rejections to finally publish his novels.
• Wayne Gretzky’s success in hockey relied on smart positioning, not luck alone.
• Fosbury’s unconventional high-jump technique redefined the sport.

3. Building a Framework for Luck

Networking is crucial for creating a structure where opportunities find you. Sociologist Mark Granovetter’s idea of the "strength of weak ties" explains why acquaintances often provide unexpected openings, such as mentioning your dream job to the right person.

Diversifying your projects and interests increases your chances of success. Kate Spade’s early fashion struggles were supported by her husband’s advertising gigs, giving her space to innovate. Variety creates resilience and multiple paths for luck to manifest.

Small breaks can lead to breakthroughs if you’re alert. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin came from spotting unexpected mold growth in his lab, turning a small accident into a world-changing event.

Examples

• Networking with acquaintances led to job interviews for many professionals.
• Kate Spade balanced financial struggles with diversified income streams.
• Fleming’s observation of mold led to the creation of penicillin.

4. Standing Out Matters More Than Luck Alone

You can’t directly manipulate chance, but you can make sure you stand out. Goldman Sachs purportedly uses random methods like splitting applications into piles for hiring. However, those in the "third pile" – the unique candidates – bypass such randomness.

Networking and effort set candidates apart. For instance, Jack, an executive, picked employees who personally reached out or offered creative recommendations, not just those with strong resumes. Effort signals drive and distinguishes one applicant from many.

Even with connections, consistent effort maximizes luck. The cast of the TV show Girls benefited from industry ties but worked hard to prove their worth, demonstrating skill alongside their so-called luck.

Examples

• Personalized efforts led Jack to hire candidates who reached out directly.
• Industry connections combined with talent helped cast members of Girls succeed.
• Goldman Sachs' "third pile" represents candidates who uniquely stand out.

5. Luck in Love is About Effort and Placement, Not Perfection

Finding love isn’t entirely random. Like career opportunities, it often stems from putting yourself in the right spaces – places like art galleries if you enjoy art or social events that reflect shared interests.

You also need to temper expectations. Psychologist Barry Schwartz explains that too many choices can lead to dissatisfaction, urging people to value what they have. Successful couples don’t obsess over perfection; they invest effort into strengthening their bond.

A survey revealed 80% believe luck in love stems from mutual care, while only 7% think it’s about finding a perfect partner. Think of relationships as an enriching journey that blossoms through work and attention.

Examples

• Meeting a partner at events aligned with your passions, like galleries or clubs.
• Avoiding choice paralysis and valuing a strong existing relationship over chasing perfection.
• Strengthening bonds through care and shared goals rather than focusing on flaws.

6. Teaching Children Luck Through Self-Belief

Children who grow up feeling they can shape their lives are happier and luckier. Parents play an important role in fostering resilience and self-reliance by giving kids freedom to solve problems and experiment.

The author shares how her father ignored report cards to ask how she felt about them, teaching accountability. Similarly, Bill Gates’ parents supported his small ventures, encouraging him to explore without forcing conformity – paving the way for Microsoft.

External control, like shielding kids from every challenge, can stifle learning. Letting kids navigate minor failures creates life skills and prepares them for future opportunities.

Examples

• Bill Gates explored unconventional projects with parental encouragement.
• Allowing children to face challenges, such as tricky teachers, fosters independence.
• Parents teaching accountability by focusing on effort over results.

7. Preparing for Bad Luck Reduces Its Sting

Bad luck, like disasters or illnesses, is unavoidable but can often be mitigated through preparation. Focusing on controllable actions – like managing health or safety habits – helps reduce risks from preventable causes.

Reacting positively to setbacks can turn bad luck into opportunity. When author Lee Child lost his longstanding job, he channeled his frustration into writing the Jack Reacher novels, turning a career loss into massive success.

Simple precautions, like knowing emergency exits or practicing fire drills, might feel unnecessary until bad luck strikes. Being cautious and ready doesn’t eliminate risk but softens its impact.

Examples

• Health choices like quitting smoking or managing blood pressure prevent common issues.
• Lee Child turned a layoff into a bestselling novel series.
• Awareness of emergency escapes saves lives in unforeseen disasters.

8. Combine Curiosity and Hard Work to Spot Hidden Opportunities

Curiosity fuels the ability to see what others overlook. Alexander Fleming’s curiosity about mold in a petri dish led to penicillin, while most would have discarded the contamination.

Hard work amplifies this effect. When you continually hone your craft, you’re better equipped to recognize and act on opportunities others might miss. Think of it like training your mind to notice the "lucky" moments.

By combining curiosity with effort and preparation, you can transform small chances into breakthroughs.

Examples

• Fleming recognized the implications of mold, instead of ignoring it.
• Entrepreneurs who stay persistent spot opportunities competitors miss.
• Artists explore new mediums, leading to accidental breakthroughs in style.

9. Don’t Be Rigid – Steer with a Compass, Not a Map

Flexibility allows luck to flourish. A rigid life plan can prevent you from noticing unexpected opportunities. Instead, use a "compass" to guide your life’s direction while remaining open to detours.

This adjustment requires courage but often leads to rewarding discoveries. Many successful people didn’t stick to an exact path; instead, they adapted when opportunities aligned with their goals.

By focusing on the general "destination" without obsessing over every step, you leave room for luck to shape the journey.

Examples

• Entrepreneurs pivoting businesses when markets change thrive on flexibility.
• Career paths evolve when unexpected job offers align better with goals.
• Artists who experiment outside their usual style discover unanticipated success.

Takeaways

1. Work on your skills and stay prepared for chance opportunities by honing your pitch, knowledge, or craft.
2. Build a life filled with varied experiences and weak-tie networks that expose you to new opportunities for luck.
3. Adopt a flexible approach to goals. Let a compass guide your direction instead of relying on rigid plans.