The concept of luck has long been a subject of much debate. The phrase " Luck is when preparation meets opportunity " is often attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca , but may not have been his own. This phrase has allowed for a variety of interpretations of success. Successful people often use this phrase to emphasize that their success is solely a result of hard work. However, this contrasts with the reality that many hard-working people still fail to achieve great success.
Can you achieve success through luck?
Is luck a necessary component of success? To some extent, yes. 😂 While successful people tend to downplay the role of luck, unsuccessful people may overestimate its importance or use it to cover up their own lack of effort. Ryan Holiday summed it up well: " Luck is polarizing. Successful people pretend it doesn't exist, while unsuccessful or cynical people insist it's everything. " Ultimately, the concept of luck may be something we've created to explain other people's success and comfort ourselves.
However, if we interpret this phrase more positively, we can see that preparation and effort are important factors that will put you in the best position when opportunity comes. Preparation does not guarantee success, but without preparation, success is unlikely. This phrase is actually a call to action. It conveys the message that instead of passively waiting for opportunities, actively pursue them, hone your skills, learn from failures, and try again.
Success and Good Luck
Personally, when I was asked about my career, wealth, or success, I just smiled and said, "I was lucky." I think that's true. And most of the billionaires I've met say they were lucky. Luck seems to be an essential element, but we have to accept the true meaning contained within it.
When someone asks me about luck, I sometimes tell them. I think it came up recently in a conversation with Gyudam, but the word "運" that we commonly use is a Chinese character that means "luck to move", and it is also used in "destiny" and "luck." If you break down this Chinese character, it is a word made up of 辵 (slowly, slowly, chak) and 軍 (military, group). Luck is not something that comes quickly, but the best way to get luck is to take your time and be with people. I think luck doesn't go to those who pursue it, but to enter when there is time. It was a long story, but it means don't be impatient.
Brief Summary
1.
Accept that luck is always a factor. Be open-minded, patient, and relaxed.
2.
Always be prepared. Continually develop yourself and put yourself in a position to make the most of opportunities when they come.
3.
Learn to accept failure. Even the best preparation doesn’t always lead to success when an opportunity comes. Even the most prepared people can falter in the face of opportunity. That’s not the end of the world. Learn from the experience, try again, and do better next time.
4.
Be grateful for the good fortune you already have. Your circumstances and opportunities may be better than many others. You may have fewer challenges, a better starting point, stronger support, different genetic factors, etc. You need to be a little more humble.
5.
Accept the possibility that others will attribute your success to luck, even when they know how much effort you've put in.
So the next time someone says, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” smile and remember that it’s not that simple.
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