9: Improving the Luck Factor

Many people attribute a portion of their success (and failure) to luck. Timing. Things beyond their control. There is no question that luck plays a part in every situation. However, is it more likely that successful people are just consistently more lucky than others or have they somehow increased their opportunities to take advantage of the Luck Factor?

Picture this: all of us are on a train - we're on a track... heading... well, into the future. Now, in the air, there is Luck flying all over the place. Are you the person sitting tightly in your seat with the window shut, saying to yourself "If only Luck would come fall on my lap!"? Or have you opened your window? Perhaps you're looking out the window and watching for the Luck that flies closely by? Maybe you're leaning out the window with your arm extended and hand open? Better yet, have you climbed out the window to watch unobstructed where the track is headed and where luck is flying around, holding on to a 10-foot net in one hand and straining your muscles to stretch as far as you can reach?

There are certainly train tracks beyond our control (economic trends, acts of God, family situations, etc.). Where luck appears and when can be unpredictable. However:

• Have you put yourself out there or are you relying on job postings in one newspaper?
• Does your network of people know what you want or do they think you are happy where you are?
• Are you ready to sell yourself in a passionate or compelling package or have you not yet clearly defined HERE?

Do you know your target audience? Do you know the industry? Can you see trends? Are you actively looking for opportunities? Are you ready for it? HAVE YOU DONE YOUR PART TO IMPROVE THE LUCK FACTOR?