Luck Isn’t Random: How Leaders Create Their Own Opportunities
"I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." — Thomas Jefferson
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, the one day of the year when everyone talks about luck—four-leaf clovers, lucky charms, and the magical “luck of the Irish.” But let’s be real. The most successful leaders don’t sit around waiting for luck to find them. They make their own luck.
Think about someone you admire in your field. Did they just stumble into success, or did they put themselves in the right places, build the right relationships, and take strategic risks? Behind every “lucky break” is usually a series of intentional actions. The good news? You can do the same. By cultivating a proactive mindset, strengthening your network, and staying adaptable, you can turn challenges into opportunities and create the kind of luck that leads to long-term success.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
If you believe luck is out of your control, you’ll miss chances to create it. That’s why successful leaders develop a growth mindset—the belief that skills, intelligence, and success come from effort and learning rather than random luck.
Instead of thinking, "I hope something good happens to me," shift your mindset to "What can I do to create my next big opportunity?"
Start by reframing setbacks. When something doesn’t go your way, don’t see it as failure—see it as feedback. Did you get passed over for a promotion? Instead of feeling unlucky, ask what skills you can sharpen to be the obvious choice next time. Did a project fall through? Look at what you learned and how you can apply that knowledge moving forward.
Luck favors those who are always learning, always improving, and always ready for the next challenge.
Network with Purpose
Opportunities don’t just appear; they come through people. If you want to create more “lucky” moments in your career, focus on building meaningful connections.
But networking isn’t just about shaking hands at events or adding people on LinkedIn. It’s about genuine relationships. Find mentors, engage with colleagues, and stay curious about what others are doing. Ask how you can help before asking for help.
Many career-changing opportunities come from casual conversations—an old coworker who refers you for a job, a friend who introduces you to a potential business partner, or even a mentor who suggests an idea you hadn’t considered. The more connections you have, the more chances you create for unexpected opportunities.
Stay Adaptable and Open to Change
One of the biggest myths about luck is that it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. But the reality? You also have to recognize the opportunity when it comes.
Too many people miss great opportunities because they’re stuck in their comfort zones. They dismiss new ideas, avoid risks, or stick to what feels safe. Leaders who create their own luck stay flexible. They’re willing to pivot, take calculated risks, and say “yes” to opportunities even when they don’t feel 100% ready.
Think of an entrepreneur who launched a business in an unexpected industry, or a professional who took a lateral move that led to something bigger. These people didn’t wait for luck—they stayed open to possibilities and adapted when new opportunities appeared.
If you want to create more opportunities in your own life, ask yourself: What am I saying no to out of fear? What new skills or experiences could open unexpected doors? Sometimes, what seems like a small decision—taking on a new project, reaching out to someone new, or learning a new skill—can lead to the luckiest break of your career.
Take Action: Make Your Own Luck
Luck isn’t about waiting for the stars to align. It’s about preparing yourself for success, building the right relationships, and staying open to new possibilities.
So, what’s one action you can take today? Maybe it’s reaching out to a mentor, signing up for a class, or saying yes to an opportunity that feels a little outside your comfort zone. The more intentional steps you take, the luckier you’ll become.
If you’re serious about creating your own luck and stepping into new opportunities, subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter. You’ll get powerful insights, strategies, and tools to help you grow as a leader, advance in your career, and build the kind of success that doesn’t rely on luck—it relies on you.
The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck
What if luck wasn’t just about chance but something you could actively create? In The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck, Christian Busch reveals that serendipity isn’t random—it’s a skill. This insightful book breaks down how small mindset shifts, curiosity, and strategic action can turn everyday encounters into game-changing opportunities. Busch shares research-backed stories of entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators who transformed unexpected moments into success simply by staying open, engaged, and ready to connect the dots.
This book beautifully aligns with the idea that luck favors the proactive. Just like in our recent article, Busch emphasizes the power of adaptability, networking with purpose, and seeing setbacks as stepping stones. Instead of waiting for opportunities, he encourages readers to spot hidden possibilities, ask better questions, and create meaningful relationships that lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to advance, The Serendipity Mindset teaches you how to craft your own luck, one intentional action at a time.
🌟 Ready to start creating your own opportunities? Get your copy of The Serendipity Mindset today, and don’t forget to subscribe to The EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for more career-transforming insights! 🚀
