Luck, Timing, and Preparation

[tconnor]

Sales Tips #253
Luck, Timing, and Preparation

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 are at a loss to explain how or 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 slugging away. I’d be a genius cruising the Caribbean on my 75ft. 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 multi-millionaires. And, I have read about lottery winners who bought just one ticket, hit the jackpot and then spent the rest of their lives in misery.

So what does matter? Six things…

• the belief in yourself and your goals, purpose, mission or destiny – for the long haul
• the courage to weather the lows and failures when they come
• the humility and gratitude when you reach the top of the mountain
• a support system of people who care, believe in you and are will 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 final destination
• a positive and optimistic outlook and positive expectancy

I am sure there are more and that many of you might take issue with the six. 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 even believe in a little good fortune and 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!
So, while you are waiting for your ship to come in and good fortune to bless your life why not get to work,

• setting and moving toward your goals
• learning new skills
• refining your attitudes
• strengthening your beliefs
• taking action
• letting go of old baggage
• improving relationships
• learning to love and enjoy what you do