Photo Credit: https://www.teamusa.com/womens-rugby-pan-am-games
In the narratives of many successful individuals, the element of luck often emerges as a common theme. Like many of us, I have been glued to the TV for the last few weeks, watching the amazing talent on display at the Paris Summer Olympics. As we continue to see rugby superstar Ilona Maher grow her social media presence to over 2 million followers, more than once, I have heard people say, "Wow, she is so lucky." But, really, luck had nothing to do with it. Ilona (and many athletes like her) worked HARD to get where she is at. There are hundreds of hours of perseverance, grit, and sheer will that we don't get to see. It is easy to say successful people are "lucky," but that is rarely the case.
The Allure of Luck
Luck is an enticing concept. It suggests that success can come easily without the need for constant effort or sacrifice. It’s comforting to think that some people are just “born lucky” or stumble upon success through serendipitous moments. This belief can serve as a psychological safety net, offering an excuse for those who haven't yet achieved their goals. If success is mostly about luck, then failure isn’t necessarily one’s fault.
The Reality: Hard Work is the Key
However, a closer examination of the lives of successful individuals reveals a different story. Behind the facade of luck lies an immense amount of hard work. Take, for example, the story of Steve Jobs. Many attribute Apple's rise to Jobs' visionary ideas and his supposed “luck” in meeting the right people. But this narrative overlooks the countless hours he spent obsessing over details, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his ability to overcome numerous failures and setbacks.
The Role of Persistence
Persistence is a crucial component of success. Thomas Edison, who held over 1,000 patents, famously said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” His development of the light bulb was not a stroke of luck but the result of thousands of experiments and relentless perseverance. His journey illustrates that continuous effort, even in the face of repeated failures, is vital to achieving lasting success. If you follow Ilona's social media (and if you're not, what are you doing?!), you'll remember she had a devastating injury and spent the last couple of years rehabbing, getting herself back into shape, and ultimately making it back to the national team. That did not happen by accident, it was her persistance that brought her here.
Skill Development and Mastery
Another aspect often masked by the idea of luck is the development of skills. Success in any field requires mastering relevant skills, which comes from sustained practice and effort. Malcolm Gladwell, in his book "Outliers," popularized the notion that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in any domain. This principle underscores the significance of dedication and hard work in reaching the pinnacle of success.
The Hidden Efforts
Many successful individuals maintain rigorous routines and habits that contribute to their achievements. Athletes like Serena Williams and Cristiano Ronaldo train for countless hours beyond the public eye. Same as those who are accepted and/or recruited to the "dream college." While there may be an element of "luck," most times, those students also spent countless hours studying, reviewing notes, and sacrificing social time in order to succeed in their studies as well as on the field. These are the students who show up early to practice, get up early, and work out before school. It is not "luck" but a focus on priorities. In essence, they make their own luck. These hidden efforts are seldom visible, leading to the misconception that their success is primarily due to luck.
Make your Own Luck
The myth of luck as the primary driver of success is a comforting but misleading narrative. True success is built on a foundation of hard work, persistence, and continuous self-improvement. By acknowledging and embracing this reality, we can empower ourselves and others to strive for greatness through dedicated effort and unwavering determination.
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