Creating Your Own Luck: Mastering the Art of Serendipity

Read time: 4 minutes.

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to have all the luck?

That no matter what they do, they always wind up in the right place at the right time and always meet the right people?

Well, we both know there’s nothing supernatural about these people. They've simply learned to recognize and position themselves for new and interesting opportunities.

They've mastered the art of serendipity. They're creating their own luck.

I've leveraged the power of serendipity to my advantage throughout my career, from my time as a fighter pilot to my current role as a speaker and entrepreneur.

So in this installment of "Inverting Your Mindset" and in honor of Oshkosh 2024 (an event rich in serendipitous events for me), I'll share some valuable tips on how to create your own luck by harnessing the power of serendipity.

Ready? Let's dive in!

A Fairy Tale Origin

Did you know Horace Walpole coined the term "serendipity" in the 18th century? He was inspired by the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip," in which the main characters make valuable discoveries by accident.

Throughout history, serendipity has played a crucial role in numerous scientific and industrial breakthroughs:

• Penicillin: 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered this life-saving antibiotic when mold accidentally contaminated his petri dishes.

• Dynamite: Alfred Nobel stumbled upon this invention when a flammable salve he was using to treat a cut led to the creation of the explosive compound.

• Post-It Notes: They came about when a scientist at 3M accidentally created a weak adhesive.

It's clear that being open to unexpected outcomes and ready to recognize their potential can lead to incredible innovations.

It's not just about being in the right place at the right time but having the mindset to see opportunity when you least expect it.

A Chance Meeting at Oshkosh

This week is Oshkosh 2024, the biggest aviation event of the year. Traveling is a hassle, and with my busy schedule, I often question if it's worth the time and cost. Yet, every single time, I'm amazed by the connections made and doors opened.

Case in point: Two years prior, at the same event, I was recognized by the CEO of a financial institution who had been following my journey on social media.

He mentioned how much he loved my story and how I was sharing my lessons learned as a fighter pilot and Thunderbird and asked if I would discuss working with them on some keynotes.

Recognizing the massive opportunity this presented, I stayed in touch and connected more formally with him and his team last year at Oshkosh. That first chance meeting and that follow-up led to countless opportunities for my business this year.

That brief meeting opened the door to numerous speaking engagements, new relationships, and spin-off business that would have otherwise never happened.

Was it luck? Maybe, but that meeting would have never happened if I decided to pass on the opportunity to show up.

The Power of Showing Up

My time with the Thunderbirds taught me the value of preparation. We'd spend hours perfecting our maneuvers, but our readiness extended beyond flying. From impromptu media interviews to meeting young fans, we approached each moment with purpose.

Showing up requires more than physical presence. It demands mental and emotional engagement.

When fully present, you'll spot opportunities others overlook. Think of it as keeping your antenna up, ready to receive signals of potential.

This mindset has proven invaluable in my speaking career. Every interaction holds the potential for something amazing. The key lies in staying open and curious, especially in unexpected situations.

While not every encounter will lead to something significant, maintaining an open mind allows you to explore possibilities as they arise. You'll start to see potential in places others might miss.

Luck favors the prepared, so always be ready to maximize opportunities when they occur. This approach has consistently opened doors and created opportunities in my career.

Creating Your Own Luck

Here's how you can start creating your own luck:

1. Stay curious: Look for opportunities everywhere, even in unexpected places. Curiosity opens doors you didn't even know existed. It's asking questions, seeking to understand, and being interested in the world around you.
2. Trust yourself: Believe in your abilities and your potential to succeed. Self-doubt can make you hesitate when opportunities arise. Build your confidence by acknowledging your strengths and past successes.
3. Take action: When an opportunity presents itself, don't hesitate - go for it. Luck favors the bold. Even if you're not 100% ready, taking that leap can lead to amazing things.
4. Be prepared: Continuously work on your skills so you're ready when chances arise. This doesn't mean you need to be perfect, but having a solid foundation of skills and knowledge gives you the confidence to seize opportunities.
5. Network genuinely: Build real connections with people, not just for what they can offer you. Authentic relationships are the foundation of many "lucky" breaks. Show genuine interest in others and be willing to help without expecting anything in return.
6. Reflect and learn: After each experience, think about what went well and what you could improve. This reflection helps refine your approach and increases your chances of success in future encounters.

Bringing It Home

Remember, being "lucky" isn't just about chance. It's about putting yourself in positions where opportunities can find you, being prepared, staying open, and being willing to take action when the moment arrives.

So get out there, stay curious, and be ready. You never know when your next big break might come knocking.

By following these principles, you're not leaving your success to chance - you're actively creating your own luck.

And that's a powerful position to be in!

Until next time,

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