What does it take to achieve great success in your career?
If you study successful individuals, especially in the tech industry (my area of expertise), you'll notice one common thread—they're all lucky.
Born in the 1950s, during the dawn of the computer science era... and so on.
Certainly, they worked tirelessly to reach their current positions, but luck played a significant role as well.
While we can't control luck, we can increase our chances of encountering it.
One way is by relocating to larger cities or denser areas within small towns.
Surrounding yourself with people who seem luckier than you might offer insights into how to cultivate your own luck.
Proactive vs Reactive
If luck can be accumulated, how do you gather it?
Regardless of whether you're an extrovert or introvert, you can always be proactive.
Throughout my life, all the positive experiences I've had were a result of my proactive approach.
Being proactive means taking the initiative to make things happen. It's about planning ahead and taking action.
Conversely, being reactive involves waiting for things to happen and then responding.
By being proactive, you can shape your own destiny. With enough effort and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Seek Out Opportunities for Social Interaction
How much would your job need to pay you to keep you in a small town?
As someone from Asia, I'm struck by the American penchant for suburban living, often requiring long commutes to work.
In my experience, the closer you are to the pulse of events, the more likely you are to encounter opportunities.
Cities with vibrant college communities and strong job markets are ideal for young people.
When I lived in the suburbs of Dallas, I had to bike 25 minutes to reach the nearest tennis courts. People there predominantly drove, making chance encounters nearly impossible.
However, in a college town like Fayetteville, access to facilities is easy, often just a 15-minute bike ride away. Plus, the town's bike-friendly atmosphere fosters spontaneous interactions.
By utilizing resources like college map from Spin and job market data, you can identify the best cities for young professionals.
Cultivate Meaningful Hobbies
Perhaps you learned to play piano as a child, only to abandon it as you grew older. Then, as a teenager, you realized the person you admired was a pianist, leaving you with regret.
Or maybe you dabbled in tennis but gave up when it got tough, only to find yourself isolated as an adult among peers who excel at the sport.
As I've matured, I've come to see hobbies as more than just pastimes—they're opportunities to connect with others.
The individuals I've met on the tennis court in San Mateo hail from various startup companies, each talented and hardworking.
And as I continue to learn jazz piano, I encounter fascinating and inspiring individuals along the way.
In an age where social interactions are increasingly limited, hobbies serve as invaluable avenues for connecting with others.
Do I envy those with millions of followers on TikTok or Instagram? Not at all. I envy those who have hobbies they excel at.
The camaraderie forged through an intense tennis match far surpasses the superficial validation of social media likes.
Discover a hobby and commit to it; you'll be amazed at how much you can gain from the experience.
What are your thoughts on luck? Share your comments below and let's discuss!
