“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
We grew up with fairytales of heroes who achieved their dreams by being good, brave, and hopeful. It was a comforting story, one that gave us hope.
But as adults, we see that life isn’t so simple. Effort and wishing alone don’t always bring success; sometimes, it takes much more. It requires the insight to recognize opportunities, the wisdom to choose the right path, and the strategy to navigate challenges. Preparation isn’t just hard work; it’s thoughtful work.
The truth is, we were handed these fairytales because they’re easy to tell and easy to believe. But they don’t prepare us for the complexity of real life.
Life calls on us not just to be hopeful, but to be wise, not just to work hard, but to work smart, by surrounding ourselves with supportive people and seeking wise guidance.
When I say “to be wise” I mean: the ability to apply knowledge and experience with insight, understanding and compassion, and having the humility to accept that there’s always much more to learn.
When we understand this, we can stop waiting for the “happy ending” and start creating the conditions for our own success.
In a way, we’re invited to write our own stories, where preparation, strategy, and wisdom meet effort, creating the “luck” we’ve been waiting for. And maybe that’s even better than a fairytale.
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