On the Concept of Luck (Part 1)

"Look at your Success, I'm so Jealous! You are Sooooo Lucky!"

Chances are if someone has never told you this, you were the one who has said it at one point or another. But what does "lucky" mean? I don't think most people realize it when they say it but that phrase is very insulting to the recipient. Fact is, those that are "successful" in life don't feel lucky....they feel like they worked their ass-off to get to where they are. Most successful people I know put in 60, 70, 80, or 90 hours a week for months and years to grow a business, an enterprise, or a hobby into something that has any objective impact on the world.

It so easy to see a person's wealth or success and become jealous. However, behind that wealth and success was a lot of work and sacrifice, So, let's delve into the first of two important factors that lead to 'luck' this week:

Opportunity

The biggest inspiration in my life was the book "Yes Man" by Danny Wallace (the movie of the same title with Jim Carrey is loosely based on the book). During that time I was going through boughts of depression and I accidentally stumbled upon this book at just the perfect cross-roads in my life. The basic premise of the book was Danny Wallace (also in a bought of depression) complained to a stranger on a bus about how terrible his life was, he hated his job, and his long-time girlfriend broke up with him. He just didn't know what to do! The stranger looked at him. Answered, "Say, Yes More" and walked off the bus. The book then chronicles Danny Wallace's adventure for the next year when he says 'yes to everything'. 

What struck me with the book was the realization that everything that I am, everything that I have done, and where I am at this moment is because at one point I said YES. It's only when I started saying "NO" that I fell into a rut and became depressed.

Opportunities in life can only come about when we put ourselves in a position of vulnerability. Whether it's applying for a job that you have no chance of getting, going to a social gathering you aren't fond of or simply taking a different route from home than you usually take. None the less, I can guarantee you, all the positive things that happened in your life occurred over such a  simple thing as doing something you otherwise would not have or did not (necessarily) want to do.

On how Harrison Ford became Han Solo:

Ford recalled the situation: “I had helped George Lucas audition other actors for the principle [sic] parts, and with no expectation or indication that I might be considered for the part of Han, I was quite surprised when I was offered the part. My principle [sic] job at the time was carpentry.”

Obviously, there is a certain amount of 'luck' in this story, however, again---without Harrison Ford making the acquaintances that he did and putting himself out there, this OPPORTUNITY would not have presented itself.

Celebrities are of course a fun story to talk about because they represent a cultural ideal but you don't have to be a Hollywood star to be "successful." After all "success" is subjective but the fundamentals are still the same. People worked hard and put themselves out there.

This week and this year, go out and make opportunities for yourself and tell us where it leads you! The end result may be pleasantly surprising.

Read More: Accept Responsibility for Your Actions


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