Not everyone is willing to admit the role of luck. Many of those who have had the most luck also have the biggest ego investment in denying its existence. A multibillionaire with bad hair recently said that you shouldn’t pay attention to where a rich person started, but where they ended up. This particular multibillionaire started with an eight-figure inheritance.
Who you talk to matters!
Probably the biggest role luck has played in your life is the country, family, and socioeconomic class you were born into. You didn’t control these things, you did nothing to deserve them, yet they determined your launching pad in life.
And for those of us not born at the top of the heap, let’s all take a moment to mourn. (pause) Now, since we’re clearly in a position to listen to a podcast, let’s all take a moment to celebrate. Because there are a few billion people on the planet who were born into way, way worse circumstances than us.
Ok. Now that that’s over, it turns out that once birth is out of the way, some people are lucky and some aren’t. This isn’t, well, luck. There are things you can do that make you more likely to find opportunity.
Luck isn’t supernatural
First the bad news: luck doesn’t seem to have to do with spirit guides, angels, or crystals. That kind of makes sense, if you think about it. If you were an angel and could make luck happen on demand, would you share it? Of course not! You’d use it to luckily find an entire oreo ice cream cake in your freezer every morning, and luckily wouldn’t gain weight from eating the whole thing. And we never see Oreo ice cream cake in paintings of angels, therefore, sadly, it’s proof positive that angels won’t be handing out luck any time soon.
But you can make your own luck.
Green Growing Things plant store has a new intern, Xris (pronounced “kris”). Xris was a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army, and just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. We are deeply appreciative of the people who are willing to serve our country, and Xris had the good fortune to find us for an internship to help the transition into civilian life.
Be on the lookout for Luck
Only Xris made their own luck. One of the things scientists found is that lucky people are more observant. They look around. Scientists invited people to lunch, and first “accidentally” dropped money on the sidewalk outside the cafe. People who described themselves as lucky noticed the money and picked it up. People who thought themselves “unlucky” didn’t notice.
To start becoming more lucky, scan your environment more. Simply notice what’s going on around you. When opportunity does knock, you’ll notice, and be able to jump on it.
Xris spotted an issue of Carnivorous Plants Quarterly when raiding a terrorist training camp and picked it up. After the mission, they took the time to read the issue back in the barracks. That sparked the idea of buying a Venus Fly Trap to help keep the barracks free of flying insects. Xris began making luck by being observant.
Conversation creates luck
Talk about the areas you want luck in. I’m always amazed when someone has a burning hope or dream and never mentions it. When you talk about where you want to go in life, “luck” happens because people help you get there.
Once back in civilian life, Xris talked to everyone who would listen about the virtues of Venus Fly Traps for natural, organic pest control. Including the mail delivery person. Whose response, unexpectedly, was that they had just delivered mail to the local Venus Fly Trap Appreciation Society. Xris was ecstastic to learn about the club. And it would never have happened if it weren’t for the conversation.
Talking to people creates luck
And lastly, who you talk to matters. When you’re talking to people who don’t share your interest, like the mailperson, they might be able to point you to people who do. When you’re talking to people who do share your interest, you’re building the connections that could lead to luck.
When Xris started hanging around the Venus Fly Trap Appreciation Society, suddenly they were having conversations with dozens of people who shared their interest. And in almost every case, at some point someone praised the rapidly growing chain of plant stores that specialize in the coveted, carnivorous “Audrey IIs.”
Taking action creates luck
So Xris took action by picking up the phone and calling the store, asking if there were any openings. And the answer was Yes.
The answer might have been No, but if you don’t take action, you’ll never know.
Be grateful for the luck that wasn’t under your control. And then take it as far as you can by looking around everywhere you go for opportunity. Talk about the things you care about, and connect with people who care about the same things. And then when opportunity does knock, you’ll be ready to jump. Sure, it will be so-called “luck,” but it’s luck that you made.
Now I’m going to go surprise Xris by brightening up their new office. They have so many knick knacks. There’s this old, dinged-up, brass lamp they brought back from Baghdad and I think I’ll just give it a quick once-over with some polish. Won’t they be surprised!
I'm Stever Robbins. Follow GetItDoneGuy on Twitter and Facebook. I run programs to help people develop the kick-ass business skills they need to create an extraordinary life. If you want to know more, visit http://ift.tt/1l2uWN6.
Work Less, Do More, and have a Great Life!
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