Stop relying on chance, and create your own luck instead. How well do you do the items below?

There is a very common misconception that a person can be successful just by being ”lucky.”

I hate that idea.

While there is something called chance that says you could win the lottery (or get hit by a bus) tomorrow, the truth of the matter is that people who are perceived as lucky, by in large create their own luck. That is, they see opportunity where others see nothing (or see risk), and they know when to take advantage and “try their luck.” I would be willing to bet that if you were to record your entire day, including all phone calls, in person meetings and conversations at Starbucks on the way to work, that you would realize dozens of potential opportunities that had completely evaded your perception when they happened. The only difference between a so-called “lucky” individual and one who isn’t, is their ability to recognize and pursue those opportunities as they happen. (more…)