Seneca is quoted as saying: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” A pastor friend of mine once said: “I find that God always blesses my sermon when I study real hard.” Jim Rohn, known as America’s foremost business philosopher, described failure and success in the following way: “Failure is the result of a few errors in judgment repeated every day and success is the result of a few simple disciplines practiced every day.”
These quotes seem to argue against the definition of luck as: “Success or failure brought about by chance rather than through one’s own actions.” Here’s a truth you can take to the bank: Outstanding organizations and high performing individuals have one thing in common; they don’t leave their futures to chance.
Luck is a very fickle thing. While I might agree luck does play a small role in the lives of successful men and women, the secret to success and achievement – of any kind – in any endeavor – is focused effort and self-discipline. Sorry, but there’s no quick fix when it comes to real success and meaningful achievement. The folks who seem to “have all the luck” are the ones who understand that life doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get More by Doing Less
I know it sounds counter-intuitive but it’s true. Trying to do everything in one fell swoop will almost always end in disaster at worst and mediocrity at best. Instead, figure out what the few important things are – and do those before doing anything else.
“I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” Those are the words of Zoe Koplowitz, a multiple sclerosis sufferer who finished the New York City Marathon by walking with two canes. Finishing a 26.2 mile marathon is impressive in and of itself – but finishing a marathon walking with two canes – wow!
Embrace Simplicity
I know this too is counter-intuitive but embracing simplicity is a philosophy worth adopting. We live in a complex and confusing time. For the past three decades, we’ve been promised a paperless office and a three-day workweek, yet most folks are buried in paper and are working more hours than they ever have – in spite of cell phones and iPads.
Knowing what doesn’t need to be done is at least as important as knowing what does. I’ve long advocated creating a “stop doing list.” Take a hard look at how you’re spending your precious time and reevaluate your priorities. Narrowing your focus to doing those things that matter most will bring a lot of “luck” your way – especially from those who love you and need to spend time with you.
Beware of the “Easy Button”
A shorter “to-do” list and strengthening those most important relationships seem almost too easy to do. While we probably agree that a focus on a vital few priorities makes sense and that spending more time building relationships is a good thing to do – the fact is most people don’t do either. Why? Because both are easy to do and herein lies the rub – what’s easy to do – is also easy not to do. Remember Rohn’s definition of success? A few simple disciplines – practiced every day. The key word is “few.”
The secret to being lucky isn’t about overachieving. The real secret is in understanding life is short. Time is a nonrenewable resource. Yesterday is history and tomorrow is yet to be. What you have is today, this moment, and a few special people in your life who need and want your time and attention.
Do less, embrace simplicity and beware of the easy button. You’ll be amazed at how much “luck” comes your way!
Tags: chance, discipline, disciplines, failure, focus, luck, success, successful
