Throughout history, luck has been presented as a random concept, an unpredictable factor that decides the fate of people. But already at the dawn of philosophy, Seneca, one of the great Stoic philosophers, offered us an alternative vision. A reflection that turns the concept of luck on its head and can change the way you understand your life.
Perhaps the time has come to let fortune smile on you, so that you can take control of your destiny with advice so simple that it seems impossible for us to continue thinking that our lives depend on things as irrelevant as chance. Do you want to know what Seneca said? We tell you.
The myth of luck
It is easy to blame or thank luck for everything that happens to us in life. When something doesn’t go as planned, we tend to say that, simply, we have had bad luck. Likewise, when we achieve an unexpected achievement, it is common for us to attribute the event to good fortune.
This mentality, however, ignores a crucial component, which Seneca knew well. The Stoic philosopher said that “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” And most of the successes and failures in our lives are shaped, to a large extent, by how we prepare for challenges and how we respond to the opportunities presented to us.
To put it in a practical example, it is as if we imagine an athlete who trains for years for a competition. If he wins, many will say that he was lucky to be in his best shape on the day of the competition, but his victory was not just a matter of luck. Was the result of countless hours of trainingof falls and overcoming, of constant learning and sacrifice. Luck, in this sense, is not the result of chance. It is the product of its preparation.
The key to creating opportunities
Preparation is, for Seneca, the foundation on which we build our chances of success. Without it, It is difficult to be ready to take advantage of opportunities that arise unexpectedly. Preparation not only involves acquiring skills or knowledge, it is also about developing a growth mindset, being willing to open ourselves to continuous improvement.
For example, if a person trains in a specific field for years, it is more likely that when a job opportunity arises in that field, they will be prepared to take advantage of it. Preparation puts you in an advantageous position. Hence The more prepared you are, the more “lucky” you will be in life.
To learn to be prepared, you can apply some of these practical tips:
- Set long-term goals. Clearly define what you want to achieve in the coming years. Having a clear vision will help you focus on the actions that will lead you to your goals.
- Develop your skills. Identify the skills you need to achieve your goals and work on them. This can include everything from technical skills to qualities such as discipline or communication.
- Create a continuous learning routine. Set aside time each week to learn something new related to your interests. Consistency is key.
- Reflect on your mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity to improve. Take time to analyze what went wrong and how you could do better next time.
The importance of recognizing opportunities
Although preparation is key to “getting lucky” in life, it is not enough to be prepared. It is also important to have the ability to recognize opportunities when they present themselves. It seems simple, but the problem is that opportunities are not always clearly advertised. They often appear disguised as challenges or unforeseen changes in our lives.
It is essential maintain an open and flexible mindset to not let them pass. The people who seem lucky are actually the ones who have developed a trained eye to spot these opportunities. In addition, they are willing to take calculated risks when an occasion warrants it.
To put all this into practice, try the following:
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Sometimes opportunities don’t present themselves in the most obvious way. It is important that you are attentive and receptive to what is happening around you, whether at work, in your personal relationships or in any other aspect of your life.
- Be proactive. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Go out and actively look for them, provoke situations that can bring you closer to your goals.
- Cultivate relationships. Many times, opportunities arise through the connections we make. Maintaining strong relationships, both personal and professional, can open unexpected doors.
- Make quick but calculated decisions. When an opportunity presents itself, don’t hesitate to act, but be sure to evaluate the risks before jumping in.