Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” 

Since today IS Friday the 13th for the first time of three we will “celebrate” in 2012, I thought I would raise this discussion.  Is success sometimes a direct result of “Good Luck” and failure due to experiences of “Bad Luck”?  Do the “cards just seem to fall” for some, while for others, no matter how hard they try, nothing seems to go their way? 

Perhaps first, we must evaluate our personal definition of "success" to truly answer this question.  However, I believe that the "string of bad luck" or misfortunes we sometimes encounter, are all rungs on the ladder of success.  Obstacles and challenges we overcome, not only strengthen our awareness, but build character by testing our humility and perseverance.

(I got my fingers crossed that you will participate in this conversation).

 

 

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Nancy, I believe luck is preparation in disguise, the breaks seem to happen for those who are prepared. When something is not going "our way" its what we do from the strikeouts that matter. many blame everything and everyone while others learn from the shortcomings and downfalls-dust themselves off and try again. Eventually enough "at bats" you are bound to hit one out of the park. Most of us quit when we are 3" from striking gold. Good discussion-the choir has been quiet this week.

No question, Nancy! 

Some people walk under rain drops and never get wet.

It's the people who know how to get wet and dry off who make the difference.

@ Marsh - Love this: I believe luck is preparation in disguise, the breaks seem to happen for those who are prepared.

Outstanding share, Nancy...........

Great discussion Nancy,

There's the classic: Luck is when opportunity meets preparation as @Marsh Buice noted. And @Bobby, please teach me how to walk in rain and not get wet ( cheers Buddy ). I recall hearing from a golfer, perhaps Arnie or Jack..."the more I practice, the Luckier I get".  So in a motivational, half-full stance; to be fortuitous, one must be at the right place at the right time by maximizing the opportunities availed by planning and preparation.

And there is just Pure Luck, winning the Powerball.  I'd take that type of luck ( gotta play to win ).

Thanks Always Nancy.

Rock on, Nancy! I've always heard that problems/obstacles are really just opportunities to excel. I decided a long time ago that some of the most important lessons I've learned (and continue to learn) are the ones that have been taught by hardship or heartache.  HOWEVER, the choice to learn the lesson rather than becoming bitter is ours...every day. 

So true Adeana... I love your last line... some folks choose to just drown in the sea of self pity rather than identifying it as a battle overcome...a tribulation and a lesson to learn from... Thanks for your comment!

Adeana Brock said:

Rock on, Nancy! I've always heard that problems/obstacles are really just opportunities to excel. I decided a long time ago that some of the most important lessons I've learned (and continue to learn) are the ones that have been taught by hardship or heartache.  HOWEVER, the choice to learn the lesson rather than becoming bitter is ours...every day. 

Like a good boyscout..."Be Prepared!"  Thanks Marsh...As an avid baseball fan, I like your at bat analogy.  My batting average is in the toilet, but I feel a grand slam coming my way!!! Thanks for the inspiration! Oh, and "Best of Luck", buddy!

Marsh Buice said:

Nancy, I believe luck is preparation in disguise, the breaks seem to happen for those who are prepared. When something is not going "our way" its what we do from the strikeouts that matter. many blame everything and everyone while others learn from the shortcomings and downfalls-dust themselves off and try again. Eventually enough "at bats" you are bound to hit one out of the park. Most of us quit when we are 3" from striking gold. Good discussion-the choir has been quiet this week.

I love walking in the rain, Bobby!!!! (And I never melted...LOL)... It is an awakening experience which has provided some great thought provoking ideas... Thanks for your comments and affirmation!  You are the best BECAUSE you're always PREPARED!!!
Bobby Compton said:

No question, Nancy! 

Some people walk under rain drops and never get wet.

It's the people who know how to get wet and dry off who make the difference.

@ Marsh - Love this: I believe luck is preparation in disguise, the breaks seem to happen for those who are prepared.

Outstanding share, Nancy...........

"So in a motivational, half-full stance; to be fortuitous, one must be at the right place at the right time by maximizing the opportunities availed by planning and preparation."
Gangsta Line, Jae!  You guys are all so smart!!!

 

Jae Chang said:

Great discussion Nancy,

There's the classic: Luck is when opportunity meets preparation as @Marsh Buice noted. And @Bobby, please teach me how to walk in rain and not get wet ( cheers Buddy ). I recall hearing from a golfer, perhaps Arnie or Jack..."the more I practice, the Luckier I get".  So in a motivational, half-full stance; to be fortuitous, one must be at the right place at the right time by maximizing the opportunities availed by planning and preparation.

And there is just Pure Luck, winning the Powerball.  I'd take that type of luck ( gotta play to win ).

Thanks Always Nancy.

“The separation of talent and skill is one of the greatest misunderstood concepts for people who are trying to excel, who have dreams, who want to do things. Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft.

I’ve never really viewed myself as particularly talented. Where I excel is ridiculous, sickening work ethic. You know, while the other guy’s sleeping, I’m working. While the other guys’ eating, I’m working.

There’s no easy way around it. No matter how talented you are, your talent is going to fail you if you’re not skilled. If you don’t study, if you don’t work really hard and dedicate yourself to being better every single day, you’ll never be able to communicate with people - with your artistry - the way that you want…."

Will Smith quoted this a while back ago.  This is how I define success-you have to have talent AND skill. 

I was born on Friday the 13th... it has been goood to me. lol and SOOOO true hard work does not go unrewarded.

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