Is there any such thing as luck? The luck of the Irish? You lucky stiff… I never win anything… Everywhere people seem to have different views of luck or good fortune. I believe in timing and I also believe in synchronicity that concept where certain things seem to happen and we can’t explain why.
I also believe in preparation, effort and persistence. Isn’t it is amazing how many people who work hard, study diligently, commit to their goals and purpose often have more than their share of good luck?
There is a great old saying: that luck is nothing more than preparation meeting opportunity.
I can’t tell you how to prepare, what to study, how hard to work or how long it will take. If I could, I wouldn’t be sitting at this computer right now. I’d be a well paid genius cruising the Caribbean on my 75′ sailboat.
I can tell you however, that most of this doesn’t matter. Surprised? Well, I have seen people have good fortune without a lot of work and I have seen many people toil their entire lives and not once get a single lousy break. I have known PhD’s who struggle financially and I know many high school drop-outs who have become millionaires. And, I know a couple of lottery winners who bought just one ticket, hit the jackpot and then spent the rest of their lives in misery.
So what does really matter? Six things in my opinion …
– belief in yourself and your goals, purpose, mission or destiny –
for the long haul no matter how many trials you face.
– the courage to whether the lows and failures and humility and gratitude when you reach the top of the mountain.
– a support system of people who care, believe in you and are willing to be there when you need them.
– action and direction – you have to do something – and you have to keep moving in the right direction without worrying about the destination.
-controlling your thoughts.
– have positive expectations.
I am sure there are many more and that some of you might take issue with this philosophy. So before you all e-mail me that I have gone off the deep end let me finish with: I believe in education and learning. I believe in hard work. I believe in persistence against all odds and I believe in faith and hope. I believe God is with me every step of the way. I even believe in a little good luck – now and then. But, I also believe that chance favors the fertile mind, active body and willing spirit. The Quakers have a wonderful saying: Pray, but move your feet!
A few questions;
1)Are you waiting for mother luck to bless you?
2)Do you spend a lot of money on lotto tickets? Hoping?
3)Do stick with your goals, purpose and mission in the face of adversity?
4)Are you waiting for God to do it all?
In His Service,
Tim Connor