Independence of Luck

I am not usually the one to fuel negativity.

But I can’t help but notice the unsurprisingly low energy this past Independence Day.

As a proponent of staying here, and making it here, it breaks your spirit to hear a growing number of people ready to give up on the country.

I used to blame them. I don’t anymore. Everyone should take the opportunities that come their way.

My only concern is this: if the people who are capable of surviving here also get up and leave, who is left then?

Big words to say for a future that seems bleak.

But I want to end this on my philosophy in life.

Many people refer to me as lucky, and maybe I have gotten lucky several times. It is a big part of getting lucky in your career. However, I am a big believer in ‘making your own luck’.

A far fetched concept that many won’t understand, but the key behind it is simple.

Persistence.

If you break life down to numbers, luck is statistics. The more persistent you are with something, the more chances you have to make it.

• You can sit and blame the lack of opportunities
• You can sit and blame the government, or the institution
• You can sit and blame the traditions that plague today
• You can sit and blame the lack of resources available

As a result, you can leave and improve your odds. Or you can persist and go against them.

Be determined and persistent, and give yourself the maximum chance to be exposed to luck.

Don’t undermine yourself just because you think you need to get lucky to achieve something.

Sometimes you just need to be more available to luck.

I will send this off with a quote that inspired the post:

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s.

With or without my help – I wish you the best.

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