Personal note:
A week in San Francisco with the support of loving family and friends was extraordinarily refreshing. Reconnecting with an old dance friend – unexpectedly – brought an added dash of excitement.
And a week away from my office made me reflect on many things.
There were many responses to my last article on luck. Some people commented on the importance of being in the right place at the right time, others mentioned that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
I decided to address some of these concerns in today’s article.
Oh, and by the way, just as I advised in a recent newsletter, I did talk to strangers on the trip. Guess what? I made new friends!
Here are some of the reasons that you can be in the right place at the right time, but still not experience luck.
You don’t see the opportunity even though it’s right there in front of you:
Have you ever had someone you knew pass you right by, even though you greeted that person loudly? The other person was preoccupied, and didn’t even recognize your existence.
Yup, the same thing happens with us and opportunities.
Stay alert and be in present time. You can’t grab the brass ring on the merry-go-round if your mind is somewhere else.
You see it, but don’t recognize its importance:
Countless actors, directors, composers, etc., have turned down participation in such projects as “Gone With the Wind” and “Wizard of Oz,” on the grounds that the projects weren’t important enough for them to waste their time.
There were probably many people who thought investing in a company that made big plastic hoops you could put around your middle and, with a practice, keep them spinning in the air, was a downright waste of money.
You can’t follow up on every opportunity in your environment; in fact, peak performers know how to select from the many choices they encounter. But it is important to consider what is being offered to you before you reject it.
A good way to connect with great opportunities: show your enthusiasm for what you do (and attract like-minded people), and pay attention to the enthusiasm other people have about what they do. They just may have a vision to which you should pay attention.
You’re too timid to step up to the plate:
You’re standing right there, on the right corner at the right time, when the opportunity waltzes by, but you don’t recognize that it’s calling to you. Your inner voice says, “They don’t mean me,” or “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not ready yet.”
You’re offered an opportunity, but think the other person is not serious, or is even joking:
Take the risk of asking, “Are you serious?” It’s better than being haunted for years, wondering if you missed something important.
And as for the “luck” of “knowing the right people”:
How are you ever going to encounter those people who will bring you luck if you don’t get out and talk to strangers?
People who will improve your luck will probably not spot you in a crowd, deliberately walk over to grab you by the collar and pull you out of the crowd, in order to improve your life.
You have a choice as to whether you are lucky or not. It’s up to you.
Quote of the Week:
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending ~ Carl Bard
