| EDITORS NOTE: I have been a writer for over 45 years. During that time, I have become deeply invested in the power and abilities we all hold to improve our lives. For the last 20 years, I have lived with chronic illness both physical and mental. I have learned that there are many lessons in life that can be applied to the chronic illness. Luck is one of them. Looking back, I believe the greatest factor in my success has come from being lucky. When Napoleon was asked if he preferred courageous generals or brilliant generals, he replied neither. He preferred lucky generals. Remember “Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.” |
These are seven habits that brought me luck.
1) Be adventurous but do not bet the farm.
Everything that I have achieved came from taking risks. I confronted people on issues that really mattered to me. I quit my job and started my own business. I loaned money to people with very little security. This list goes on and on. These are the moves that bring the greatest rewards. But in all cases, I could afford to lose. I was not going to be exiled to the void if I lost. I followed my gut feelings, but I knew that I could cope with failure.
2) Start by trusting people.
You cannot do it alone. You will only achieve your goals with the help of others like friends, family, and colleagues. If you are suspicious by nature, or if you like to do everything yourself, your chances of getting lucky are decreased. Remember it’s usually others that bring you luck.
3) Play your strong cards.
Know your strengths and use them. Know your weakness and avoid them. Don’t pretend to have strengths that you don’t have. You can develop strengths and overcome weaknesses. But be sure you identify your specific skills, aptitudes, knowledge, contacts. and apply them wherever you can. This will increase your chances of getting lucky.
4) Give more than you take.
If you want to attract lucky people be prepared to give. You need to go the extra mile for others without worrying too much about keeping score. In my experience the old saying “what goes around comes around” is definitely true in business and in life, and “it” comes around when you least expect it.
5) Get and stay fit.
I am not referring only to physical fitness. I mean your overall mental, physical and psychological well being. Eat right and stay active. Keep learning and improving yourself. Look on the bright side. Not everything is going to go your way. Believe in your chances of success, even in the face of difficulties. Never deal with tough problems at night when you are tired. Health and energy will bring you luck, and the strength to rebound from adversities.
6) Be a good communicator.
You must convey who you are and what you want. Work on your communication skills. I mean your use of words, your ability to speak and write clearly but assertive. If you have the time, learn another language. Knowing other languages greatly increases your opportunities. We now live in a global village and the importance of languages will only increase.
7) Be true to your craft and trade.
An accountant can write a good business plan and do the analysis but is unlikely to make a good shoemaker. Every start-up, every enterprise, every venture, is based on a craft or specialized field of knowledge. Be true to your chosen field of expertise. People will know if you are for real and then you will start to get lucky.