Luck or Hard Work: Navigating the Path to Success
Over the past few weeks, I’ve stumbled upon several podcast interviews that have discussed the role of luck when it comes to success. Having struggled with understanding why some projects or opportunities have taken off in my life while others floundered, I’ve started thinking about the role of luck when achieving one’s dreams.
Is it just about being at the right place at the right time, or is there more to it?
Take Justin Bieber, for example, a kid singing covers on YouTube until Scooter Braun accidentally found his videos. Or Harrison Ford who transitioned from carpentry to stardom when George Lucas noticed him and cast him in Star Wars. Or Marilyn Monroe, while working in a factory, was discovered by a photographer, which led to her modeling career and eventually to her becoming a Hollywood icon. Luck played a significant role in their success.
Of course, success requires preparation and skill too, but there are many people who are prepared and skilled and aren’t as lucky.
This raises an important question: How do we reconcile the role of luck with the idea of merit and hard work?
It's a problem that many of us face, especially when we see others achieve a breakthrough seemingly out of the blue.
The truth is, while talent and hard work are crucial, they might not always be sufficient. They don’t guarantee success. The world is full of talented individuals who never get their 'big break.' There are simply so many elements that are out of our control.
This is where I’ve found the concept of 'grounded hope' becomes essential.
“Grounded hope" refers to a form of optimism or hopefulness that is firmly rooted in reality and practicality. Unlike wishful thinking or unrealistic optimism, grounded hope acknowledges the challenges and difficulties of a situation but maintains a positive outlook based on rational assessment, practical strategies, and achievable goals.
It's about maintaining a hopeful outlook while being realistic about the chances and the uncontrollable nature of luck. It encourages us to focus on what we can do, rather than what we can't. For example, an aspiring artist might not be able to control when or if they'll get their big break, but they can continue to refine their skills, create new work, and seek opportunities to showcase their art.
Since I’m struggling with the concept of luck and its relation to my success in life, the concept of grounded hope is helping me be more optimistic when things go awry.
Here are a few ways I’m trying to incorporate this idea into my life:
Understand Luck's Role but Don't Depend on It: It's essential to acknowledge that luck can play a part in success, but it's skills and dedication that really lay the groundwork. By consistently putting in the effort and staying prepared, individuals increase their chances of success. Like a farmer who diligently tends to their crops; they can't control the weather, but their consistent efforts maximize the likelihood of a successful harvest.
Set Achievable Goals and Timelines: Goals should be challenging but also be attainable, based on current skills and the resources available. They should also be grounded in realistic timelines and expectations. Success rarely happens overnight, and understanding this can help manage feelings of impatience and frustration. Progress often comes in small steps and that these incremental gains are just as valuable as larger breakthroughs.
Build Resilience: Challenges and obstacles are inevitable on the path to success, and it's easy to become disheartened when things don't go as planned. Learn to view challenges as part of the journey, not as definitive roadblocks. It allows people to persevere, learn from their experiences, and continue moving forward with a balanced and hopeful perspective.
Engage in Regular Self-Reflection: Regularly check in with yourself to assess your strategies, progress, and the changing circumstances around you. In doing so, you can adjust your goals and actions accordingly, ensuring that hope is always grounded in the current reality.
Stay Open to Opportunities: Often, what seems like luck is just being open to new experiences. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make a commitment to personal growth and development. It’s about continually seeking to expand one's knowledge and skills, not just for immediate goals, but as part of a lifelong journey of improvement. This commitment ensures that individuals are not just waiting passively for opportunities but are actively working towards becoming the best versions of themselves, thereby increasing their readiness when opportunities do arise.
As you can see, these strategies are not just about preparing for a lucky break; they're about creating a mindset that welcomes success through a blend of preparation, hard work, and a positive, yet realistic, outlook.
Success, as seen in the stories of Bieber, Ford, Monroe, and others, is often a mix of many elements, with luck being just one part of the equation. By cultivating a grounded hope and working diligently towards one’s goals, you're setting the stage for success, however and whenever it decides to show up.
So, as a challenge this week, I encourage you to look at your goals. Are they achievable? Are you staying open to opportunities, and self-reflecting?
Recognize that while you cannot control every aspect of your journey, you can control your response and adaptability to the changing circumstances. Grounded hope is not about waiting for serendipity; it's about creating opportunities for it to occur. When you align your efforts with a realistic and positive outlook, you're not just hoping for success, you're actively working towards it. It’s something I’m working on too.
Best wishes, Lauren