Are you Lucky?

When Richard Branson was asked if he thought “luck” played a big part in his success, he responded, “Yes. If we live in a free society, you are lucky.  We are constantly having lucky things happen to us, whether you recognize it or not.  I have not been any more lucky than anyone else. The difference is when luck came my way, I took advantage of it.” 

That reminds me of the old adage, “Luck is when opportunities meets preparation.  Darren Hardy, of Success magazine writes that the complete formula for Getting Lucky is: Preparation (personal growth) + Attitude (belief/mindset) + Opportunity (luck) + Action (doing something about it) = Getting Lucky.

So how are you preparing yourself and improving your skills, knowledge, and expertise?  In our society, we basically get paid for two things, what we know and what we do.  Reading 3-4 leading books on most topics can move you into the top percentile in almost every area. What books and articles are you reading to put yourself in a better position? Dave Ramsey says that the average millionaire is reading at least one non-fiction book every month. 

What is your attitude about life, and about opportunities?  Are you negative and complaining to people?   How many people do you know who complain about their job or boss, and then wonder why opportunities aren’t coming their way?  Being positive, appreciative, and encouraging around friends, acquaintances, and at social events will open more doors than complaining any day of the week. In his Book, Make Today Count, John Maxwell highlights that same point.  People want to be around someone who is positive, encouraging, and happy.

When opportunities come knocking, follow its lead!  I love the Honda commercials with Mr. Opportunity.  He comes knocking every year. The concept of Honda is simple and yet funny.  It’s also very true with life.  Opportunities usually come when you are simply busy doing life.  You must stop and recognize them.  Then follow it.  Knowing when to seize an opportunity is very important in life.  Being prepared when it comes is more important. 

When I say “follow it,” what I am implying is that you must take action.  Do something that you haven’t done so you can get results that you never had.  Lots of people wish things were different but they are scared to take a calculated chance to step out into the unknown.  To be in the right place at the right time, you must be willing to take action.  Procrastination is success’s enemy.

If you want to be lucky, start now and start doing!  Start doing all the little things to be ready so that when opportunities come, you will be lucky enough to take advantage of it.  I conclude with one last quote to emphasize my point.  Jenny Craig, who has been lucky to build a very successful business, once said, “It’s not what you do once in awhile, it’s what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.” Do something every day and before you know it, you too will start getting lucky, and more successful.

Ed Finnerty

Finnerty Finnancial Coaching