The Power of Preparedness: Why Luck is Not the Key to Success
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Role of Luck
The concept of luck is often overemphasized in the pursuit of success. Branch Rickey once stated, "Luck is a fact, but shouldn't be a factor."
Rickey was instrumental in signing Jackie Robinson, the second African American to play in Major League Baseball, a groundbreaking moment in 1945. Despite the odds stacked against him, including a humiliating tryout with the Boston Red Sox riddled with racism, Robinson's success was not merely a product of luck. He was determined and had a well-thought-out strategy that transcended the need for luck.
The Blindness to Randomness
As Nassim Nicholas Taleb points out, "No matter how sophisticated our choices, how good we are at dominating the odds, randomness will have the last word." This blindness stems from two psychological biases: narrative fallacy and the illusion of control.
Narrative fallacy encourages us to create coherent stories to explain outcomes, often sidelining the role of luck, while the illusion of control leads us to believe our actions significantly dictate results. For instance, many of us mindlessly press elevator close-door buttons, a behavior that symbolizes our desire for control.
Psychologist Ellen J. Langer emphasizes, “Perceived control is very important,” as it reduces stress and enhances well-being. We often credit our achievements to our skills while blaming failures on external stories that absolve us of responsibility, thereby ignoring the influence of luck.
Consider the stark reality: over 2 billion people lack access to clean water, and 700 million live without electricity. In contrast, we often take for granted our own access to these basic necessities.
Recognizing Our Fortunate Position
When faced with those who lack even the most basic resources, claiming to be unlucky seems absurd. Recognizing this disparity fosters happiness and freedom by clarifying what we can control versus what we cannot.
While we may await our lucky break, true resilience comes from focusing on actions within our control. Playing the long game increases the likelihood of encountering luck, but preparation is vital.
Defining Success Beyond Luck
Success can be elusive and is often defined variably. For a writer, success might mean:
- Evolving through the writing process (like becoming an idea-capturing machine)
- Producing work that is meaningful and impactful
- Striving for personal growth by letting go of detrimental habits
- Making a difference in the world and understanding its reach
- Consistently honing one’s craft
- Building confidence through reliability
- Enjoying the process of writing
- Connecting with others
- Achieving financial freedom and wealth
This list is merely a source of inspiration; your definition may differ.
When Should You Claim Unluckiness?
If you’ve crafted 1,000 stories without a single one gaining traction, then you might reasonably consider yourself unlucky. Until then, such claims are premature.
Focusing on what you can control enhances your chances of success. In the realm of writing, organic reach without virality can still be worthwhile. For instance, it took the YouTube sensation Mr. Beast over 300 videos and three years to reach his first 1,000 subscribers.
Survivorship Bias and the Importance of Persistence
Many writers quit, believing their efforts on platforms like Medium are futile. However, a quick look at their profiles often reveals they haven't put in enough time or work.
On the other hand, some fresh writers gain followers quickly due to a viral piece, but their short catalogs may not establish lasting relationships with those followers. Building trust takes time, and there are no shortcuts to developing a loyal audience.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Destiny
In the journey of building an online presence, relying on luck is a misstep. Too many individuals allow the fear of chance to prevent them from starting. Life's inherent unfairness can only be countered by being prepared for its ups and downs.
Strive for excellence and earn your luck, and remember:
“Luck is the residue of design.” — Branch Rickey
Chapter 2: Embracing Preparedness
In this insightful video, Jordan Peterson discusses the motivations behind his journey and the challenges he faced along the way.
Join Arlette Amuli in this episode as she explores the balance between taking risks and finding love, emphasizing the importance of readiness in every aspect of life.