I find that the harder I work, the luckier I am. I call this “smart luck.” And, to me, smart luck is better than dumb luck because I have more influence over it.
After all, dumb luck is just random. For example, winning a few bucks in a scratch off lotto ticket is dumb luck – it can happen to anybody who buys a ticket. Sure, you can increase your odds by purchasing more tickets. But you have little control over the outcome.
Smart luck, however, you cultivate. Your odds will always be better when you work hard – whether that’s running a race, leading a business unit, applying for a promotion, or interviewing for a new opportunity. The effort you exert will always influence the outcome.
If you’ve ever considered yourself unlucky, challenge yourself and ask ‘What type of luck?’
If you have zero dumb luck, welcome to the club! But if you have zero smart luck, this is your chance to be accountable to actions you can take to increase your chances so you can win at work and in life.