3 ways to make your own luck
Three people are sitting on a bench: a wise man between two fools. One fool is called “Pointless.” They argue that the universe is cold and uncaring to human needs. We can try as hard as we want and plan as long as we can, but at the end of the day, the world will have its way. A bullet, a disease, a speeding truck, a single sentence from a powerful person — they’ll each determine our lives, so…
On a bench, three people sit: a wise man between two fools. The first fool, named "Pointless," argues that the universe is indifferent to human needs, and that despite our efforts and planning, fate will ultimately dictate our lives. The second fool, "Control," maintains that we are the masters of our destiny, and that with hard work and proper planning, we can achieve all our goals. Luck is merely an invention of the weak and inadequate.
Between the two fools, the wise man nods in agreement. He listens to both Pointless and Control, taking a balanced approach to life. By combining a bit of both mindsets, he plans while accepting that plans may sometimes go awry. He considers the future without forgetting to live in the present. He acknowledges the power of choice but recognizes the role of fortune in shaping our lives.
To make your own luck, follow these three steps:
1. Adopt a serendipity mindset. According to Christian Busch in his book, The Serendipity Mindset, there are two types of luck - one that happens to you and one that we can actively seek out. The latter, "serendipity," is largely within our control. To cultivate a serendipity mindset, be open to new experiences, opportunities, and connections.
Engage with the world by meeting new people, visiting exciting places, and exploring diverse topics. The more you expose yourself to the world, the more chances you have to encounter positive outcomes. Remember, you must actively participate to win.
2. Stay alert. Being present and aware of your surroundings is crucial. Much like the video of missed attention featuring a gorilla walking into a scene, we often overlook significant opportunities when we focus solely on one aspect of life. Cultivate an attitude of vigilance, always scanning the world around you for potential opportunities.
3. Be tenacious. When opportunities arise, seize them with both hands. Respond to emails, make phone calls, and follow up on leads. If something works, repeat it. Persistence is key to turning serendipitous opportunities into lasting success. By actively courting luck and making yourself available to seize it, you can position yourself in the best possible position to take advantage of the chaotic yet ever-present opportunities that life offers.
Written by urgent.news from Big Think's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
