Oftentimes, we decode luck as merely a matter of chance; “Good timing,” (eg. Uber launches just as smartphones and GPS technology becomes widely available), “Others misfortune,” (eg. Injuries to senior midfielders Jamie Redknapp and Paul Ince force Liverpool to promote a young Steven Gerrard into the Liverpool team), “Competitor Mistakes,” (eg. Blockbuster declining to acquire Netflix for $50million and thereby making a decision considered one of the worst in business history), and so on and so forth.
Yet long ago, in the midst of Rome’s first imperial dynasty, wisdom abounded that this wasn’t just so. Seneca, for instance, offered a different perspective. In one simple sentence, the philosopher and statesman captured the seemingly elusive concept of luck, with his wonderful quote, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Just for emphasis, this was the thinking c.2,000 years ago!
The quote encourages us – challenges us – to rethink how we can sometimes define luck, suggesting that we’re more in control of it than we realise (or even dare to admit on occasion), particularly when we throw ‘action’ into the mix.
Let me explain…
Preparation: The foundation of luck
Preparation is the backbone of Seneca’s philosophy. It is what equips us with the tools, skills, and mindset to capitalise on opportunities when they present themselves. Without preparation, opportunities might knock, but we won’t be ready to invite them in. Or we may not even open the door at all.
Take for example Goran Ivanišević, who (then ranked 125th in the World) entered Wimbledon in 2001 as a wild card, and yet defied all the odds to win the title by beating Pat Rafter in a five-set classic. Many saw his victory as lucky given his low ranking status, but his persistence over many years paid off for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He was prepared when there was a knock on the door.
Lucky opportunities most often amount to nothing if the work hasn’t been done leading up to them. Put another way, it is the act of preparation which positions you to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“The harder I practice, the luckier I get.”
Gary Palmer
Opportunity: The catalyst of change
Opportunities are a bit like seeds: they hold potential, but they need the right conditions in order to grow. These moments of potential come in many forms, such as a chance meeting, a new job posting, a market trend, or a life-changing idea. However, opportunities are often unpredictable, fleeting, and easily missed if we’re not attuned to them.
Keep thinking of opportunity as a door. Preparation is the key that unlocks it, but we also need to recognise the door when we see it. This requires not only awareness but also courage. Some people fail to act on opportunities because they fear failure or don’t trust their ability to succeed. But as Seneca reminds us, it’s the combination of preparation and opportunity that creates the luck.
It’s also worth noting that opportunities are not always handed to us. Sometimes, they need to be created. Networking, seeking out mentors, or venturing into the unknown can generate new possibilities, new opportunities. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to encounter that serendipitous moment.
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
milton berle
Action: The missing ingredient
Preparation and opportunity are essential, but on their own they are not enough. The final step is action. For you can be the most prepared person on Earth and still miss out if you don’t take the leap when an opportunity arises. Action transforms your potential into your reality.
Consider the story of J.K. Rowling, whose big break came when Bloomsbury Publishing finally gave her a chance to publish Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997. After being rejected by numerous publishers (reportedly around 12), the manuscript landed on the desk of Bloomsbury’s chairman, Nigel Newton, who passed it onto his 8-year-old daughter, Alice, for her opinion. Alice truly loved the story and demanded to read the next chapter, helping convince the publisher to take a chance on the book. Of course, the rest we know, with Harry Potter going on to become one of the most successful book series of all time. You see, in this example, the real magic was Rowling refusing to give up in the face of all those rejections, pushing forward regardless.
Action is where risk and reward collide. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace uncertainty, and place trust in the work we’ve done to prepare. It’s often in these moments of action that luck seems to emerge.
Without action, opportunities can (and do) slip away.
“Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command.”
napolean hill
The role of resilience
Unfortunately preparation, opportunity, and action do not always occur in a linear fashion. Sometimes, you’ll prepare extensively, only to face rejection or setbacks. Other times, opportunities may arise, but they may not lead to immediate success. And this is where resilience comes in.
Resilience ensures that you don’t give up when things don’t go as planned. It keeps you preparing, even when success seems but just a distant dream. It helps you stay open to new opportunities. Over time, resilience builds the kind of grit that turns even the smallest of chances into transformative moments.
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
Japenese proverb
How to Create Your Own Luck
1. Invest in yourself: Develop skills, knowledge, and habits that align with your goals. Read, practice, and push yourself to grow every day.
2. Be proactive: Seek out opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. Attend events, join communities, and network with others in your field.
3. Stay open-minded: Opportunities often come disguised as challenges or detours. Learn to see the potential in unexpected situations.
4. Take risks: Fortune favours the brave. When a door opens, don’t hesitate – step through it, even if it feels uncertain.
5. Learn from failure: Not every opportunity will lead to success, but every experience will teach you something valuable. Use these lessons to refine your preparations.
Final Thoughts
Seneca’s quote isn’t just a clever aphorism, it’s a blueprint for creating your own success. Through focusing on preparation, staying alert for opportunities, and taking decisive action, you can make luck an active force in your life rather than a passive hope.
So, next time someone tells you how lucky you are, you can smile, knowing that your luck was anything but accidental.
Listen to Seneca: luck isn’t about chance, it’s about being ready when your moment arrives. Are you prepared to seize it?
Please do get in touch if you have any comments or questions on this article, or if you’d like to suggest a topic for another piece.
Nathan Wood Consulting 