Creating Your Own?Luck

18 Strategies to open doors and unlock opportunities.

“Luck isn’t just about chance; it’s often about putting yourself in a position to succeed.”?—?Teronie J. Donaldson.

I remember reading an article about increasing your “luck surface area” and initially thinking it was just another hack to bait me into buying another course. However, as I read on, it started to make perfect sense.

Increasing your “Luck Surface Area” is about actively shaping your actions, behaviors, and environment to maximize opportunities.

By broadening your “luck surface,” you open up to more paths that can lead to growth opportunities and connections. The easiest and most relatable example is consistently posting valuable content over a long period of time.

While luck is often thought of as random, the idea behind luck surface area is that the more visible, open, and engaged you are, the more “surface area” you create for lucky breaks, new connections, or valuable opportunities to find you.

The term was popularized by Jason Roberts, a software developer, who explained it as follows:

“Luck Surface Area = Doing x Telling”

In this formula:

? Doing represents the work, skills, and effort you put into something.

? Telling represents how much you communicate, share, and make your work or intentions visible to others.

The more you do and tell, the larger your luck surface area becomes. For example, if you’re skilled in a particular area but never share your work or talk about it, your chances of encountering relevant opportunities will be limited to only those who know you.?

But if you combine skill-building with sharing?—?through networking, publishing content, or talking about your goals?—?you increase the likelihood of connecting with people who will open doors for you.?

Don’t believe me? Think of prolific content creators such as Alex Hormozi, Tim Denning, Ayodeji Awosika, to name a few, where opportunities spring up as they consistently provide value.

Here are 18 powerful strategies to increase your luck surface area and create more opportunities in your life.

1. Always Ask for What You?Want.

“Closed mouths don’t get fed.”?—?African Proverb

Whether you’re seeking a new role, support for a project, or an introduction to someone influential, make your desires known.?

I spent years of my life in different jobs, thinking that if I asked for what I wanted I was being too bold, so I let my actions do the talking. But funny enough, sometimes words speak louder than actions. I eventually realized no one can read your mind, no matter how much you want them to.?

We are all in our heads and focused on what is in our world, so no one will ever know if you don’t clarify your intentions. This lesson took me so long to understand, as I assumed others should know, but I was the one deluded.

Asking for what you want doesn’t guarantee success, but it can open up possibilities that wouldn’t exist if you kept quiet.?

Each “yes” can be life-changing.

Example: A young professional wanted to enter a competitive industry and reached out to industry leaders on LinkedIn. They built a network of mentors by simply asking for 15-minute coffee chats and eventually landed their dream job.

Action: Reach out to others and ask for help. Whether you want information, follow-up, or feedback, you will never receive it if you don’t ask.

Book Recommendation: The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

2. Maintain a Positive, Curious Attitude.

Curiosity and optimism make you more approachable and memorable.

People are drawn to those genuinely interested in the world, and a positive attitude always attracts connections and opportunities.

Research has also shown that curiosity is associated with better academic performance, critical thinking skills, and student engagement. Curiosity prepares learners for the challenges of daily life. The great thing is that there is always lots to learn—every day.

Action: Adopt a “What can I learn?” mindset rather than “What can I gain?” This perspective leads to insights and relationships that increase your success over time. You will be surprised by what you will learn when you are actively curious.

3. Practice Generosity and Offer Help Without Expecting Returns.

Helping others creates goodwill and trust, which often returns to you unexpectedly. When you offer value freely, people remember you and may reciprocate with valuable connections or opportunities later.

How often have you been approached in your inbox or on social media about someone's product?

Last week, I received a follow request on Instagram from a bodybuilder.?

I usually don’t accept random requests from there as I keep that platform for those I know just to keep my profile private, but I felt good that day and did. Within a few moments of saying hello, he immediately pitched me on being in his health and wellness/lifestyle group.

I wasn’t interested, so I let him know, and he still sent a few more pitches. It became irritating because there was no exchange of value, just a pitch to services I was not looking for?—?Don’t be like that.

Please add value to someone's life first if your intention is to pitch your services.

Example: Networking with a giving mindset?—?connecting people, sharing knowledge, or offering support?—?can often lead to new opportunities.

A content strategist named Josh Spector is a great example. (Follow him online and subscribe to his newsletter, as he is a true value-bringer)?

Josh is incredibly helpful, constantly posts valuable content, and always answers inquiries. I benefitted from his content for years on different platforms before I bought a few of his programs—it was a no-brainer.

Action: Give without getting back. Whatever you offer, see if you can genuinely help others first before you ask for the sale.

4. Learn Something New Every?Day.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss.

Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of learning for personal or professional reasons.

Each new skill or piece of knowledge you gain expands your perspective and skillset, making you more adaptable and resourceful. Small, daily lessons add up over time and prepare you to seize new opportunities.

Imagine each lesson as planting a seed. Eventually, these seeds grow into trees of opportunity, equipping you with the insights needed to thrive.

Commit to lifelong learning.

5. Start Publishing Content?Online.

Share your ideas and expertise online.

Publishing content showcases your knowledge and makes you more visible to people who resonate with your message.?

The internet provides access to audiences you might never reach otherwise. As of 2024, Facebook has 3.07 billion monthly active users, LinkedIn now has over 1 billion members worldwide, and 396 million people use Twitter worldwide, so there is an audience of many people who can hear, see or experience whatever it is you want to create.

Example: Many people have received job offers, speaking gigs, or consulting opportunities by sharing their insights and experiences through LinkedIn or Medium. The last few project interviews I received were courtesy of LinkedIn. The sky is the limit, as you never know where your content will lead.

Action: Post your content as soon as possible. After you read this article, post something on social media—a quote, article, commentary piece, pictures—whatever it is. Don’t hesitate.

6. Do Things Outside Your Comfort?Zone.

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”?—?Jack Canfield.

Growth happens beyond comfort. By doing things that challenge or scare you, you broaden your experiences, gain resilience, and expose yourself to unexpected opportunities.

My wife and I started taking Kizomba dance classes recently, and I was initially nervous because I was not a dancer at the time; now, four months in, I can confidently say that I dance well.

I am not an expert, but I am not afraid anymore. It took me out of my comfort zone, and I was able to keep growing. Had we not started dancing, then it would have been an unfulfilled wish.

Illustration: Imagine a shy person attending a networking event. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but that event could lead to a career-changing connection or even a lifelong friendship.

Action: Take a step towards doing that thing you fear.

7. Experiment and Take Small Risks Regularly.

Risk-taking doesn’t require giant leaps; it can be small, calculated steps.

By trying new approaches in small ways, you expand your comfort zone and expose yourself to unexpected rewards.?

Small risks expose you to an immediate feedback loop. If you wait for everything to be perfect, you won't know how well things will play out.

If you take small risks, you will quickly see what works and what doesn’t. A lot of practice failures eventually turn into what can work. It reminds me of the famous Thomas Edison story:

In the 1920s, a journalist asked Thomas Edison how it felt to fail 1000 times in his attempt to invent the incandescent lightbulb. He replied, “I didn’t fail 1000 times. The lightbulb was an invention with 1000 steps.”

Action: Take a small step on the goal you are working on and go from there.

8. Track Your Progress and Reflect Regularly

What gets tracked gets measured, and you can see where you stand as long as you can measure it.

Keeping track of your achievements, connections, and growth allows you to see where you’re excelling and where you could improve. Regular reflection helps you recognize patterns in what’s working and what isn’t.

Tip: Use a journal or list to track monthly achievements, lessons learned, and new connections. This practice can reveal budding opportunities that you might not have noticed.

Book Recommendation: “Measure What Matters” by Katie Delaye Paine.

9. Have More Conversations with Strangers.

Every stranger is a potential friend, collaborator, or mentor. Engaging with people outside your usual circle introduces you to new ideas and perspectives, often leading to unexpected partnerships.

A mentor once told me, “The level of your conversations determines your success.”?

Conversations lead you to unexpected places. Many times in my life, a simple conversation has turned into work and business opportunities. One such conversation was about a career change that led me from a job I hated in banking to a skilled trade that paid me 75% more than my banking job would. These opportunities are everywhere, but they start with simple conversations with the right people.

Action: Use social media if you are nervous. Next time you get a friend request or respond to a comment, start a conversation. If you are more outgoing, do it in person.

10. Find a Mentor or Mentor Someone?Else.

Studies show that people who have mentors or mentor others are more likely to experience career satisfaction and advancement.

Mentorship is a two-way street that offers learning and growth. Finding a mentor provides guidance and insights while mentoring someone else deepens your own knowledge. Both roles expose one to new networks and perspectives.

The best example of this is from former UFC fighter Kent Shamrock.?

His philosophy is “+, -, =”. (Plus, minus, equal)

Shamrock’s theory is that to be the best, you need to work with someone better than you, someone equal to you and someone whom you can teach.

?This philosophy is not limited to fighting as it is applicable everywhere.

11. Be Open to New Experiences and Perspectives.

Openness to new experiences makes you more adaptable and helps you recognize opportunities others might overlook. This is why traveling is so essential. Embracing unfamiliar ideas or cultures broadens your understanding and enriches your personal and professional life.

Someone who’s traveled extensively is often more adaptable and creative, as they’re used to adjusting to different viewpoints and environments.?

My richest life experiences and lessons came from the times I traveled.

12. Take on a Leadership Role.

“Leadership is scarce because few people are willing to go through the discomfort required to lead. This scarcity makes leadership valuable. When you find discomfort, you find the place where a leader is needed.”?—?Seth Godin.

Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about initiative.?

Leading in your workplace, community, or volunteer group helps you gain visibility, respect, and skills that attract new opportunities. Leaders are always needed; they are many organizations' lifeblood.

Leaders are often invited to special events or recommended for unique projects. Taking on leadership roles makes you seen as capable and ambitious, which can open doors.

Recommended reading: “Tribes” by Seth Godin.

13. Send Follow-Up Messages to People You?Meet.

Following up keeps new connections alive. Whether it’s a thank-you note, a LinkedIn connection, or an email to continue a conversation, follow-ups strengthen relationships and increase your network over time.

One of the best networkers I know is a real estate agent who sends follow-up cards all year, on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just because he dedicates a good amount of time crafting genuine replies. Like magic, he is always getting referred for new business.

At conferences, those who send follow-up messages often build ongoing connections, which can lead to future collaborations or job opportunities. In one of my businesses, I sell books. Every time someone buys, I follow up within a month, and it often ends up as repeat sales and coaching opportunities.

Action: Follow up with a recent online connection and see how things are.

14. Practice Active Listening.

Opportunities are sometimes hidden in conversations, so listening carefully can make a difference.?

Active listening builds trust and encourages people to open up, which can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.

Tip: Fully focus on the speaker, ask follow-up questions, and avoid planning your response until they’re done.

Key verbal active listening skills include paraphrasing, asking open-ended and probing questions, providing short verbal affirmations, expressing empathy, sharing similar experiences, and recalling previously shared information.

Everyone wants to be heard, and if you are willing to listen, many ways to provide value will open up.

Recommended reading: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie

15. Volunteer for Projects or Causes Outside Your?Field.

Volunteering in unfamiliar areas introduces you to new people, ideas, and skills. It broadens your network and enhances your adaptability, often revealing opportunities you wouldn’t encounter in your usual environment.

Volunteer experience can be a good way to learn more about yourself and your potential. It also gives you a chance to find out how other people view you and your strengths.

Example: Many entrepreneurs find inspiration for business ideas by volunteering in unrelated fields. New experiences reveal needs or spark innovative solutions.

16. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity.

Every single failure I had made me stronger, it makes me feel like crap in the moment, but in the long run I benefit.

Failure is part of growth. People who view setbacks as learning experiences are more resilient and better positioned for future success. Embracing failure allows you to take more risks without fearing mistakes.

Reflecting on failures to understand what went wrong, adjusting, and trying again builds resilience and teaches lessons that improve one's chances of success. Failure is critical to learning.

Recommended reading: “Mindset” by Carol S Dweck.

17. Network Across Levels, Not Just?Upwards.

Many people miss out on valuable connections when they only provide value to their superiors. There is value in connecting with everyone.

Networking isn’t just about connecting with those in higher positions; peers and juniors can be valuable allies. Your peers may move into influential roles over time, and strong connections across all levels create a more robust network.

One of the best networking tips I have ever heard was from actress/writer Issa Rae when she stated, “Effective networking starts with the people around you, not above you.”?

Rae says that we shouldn’t aim to network up—we should network across: “Who’s next to you? Who’s struggling? Who’s in the trenches with you? Who’s just as hungry as you are? And those are the people that you need to build with.”

Example: Colleagues or friends in the same field can become collaborators or clients as they advance, creating mutual opportunities.

18. Learn How to Tell Your Story Effectively.

A compelling story or personal brand makes you memorable.

Telling a compelling story is how you build credibility for yourself and your ideas. It’s how you inspire an audience and lead an organization. Effective storytelling is key, whether you need to win over a colleague, a team, an executive, a recruiter, or an entire conference audience.

By refining how you communicate your background, values, and goals, you increase your chances of connecting with others and being top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

Action: Craft an “elevator pitch” that describes your journey and aspirations. This will make it easy for new connections to remember you and support you in meaningful ways.

Conclusion

Increasing your luck surface area is about more than hoping for the best; it’s about intentional actions that invite opportunity into your life. By implementing these 18 strategies, you build habits and mindsets that make you more adaptable, visible, and ready to seize new opportunities.

While luck can seem random, you have the power to create conditions that make it more likely to come your way. Start with small steps today, and you might be surprised at how luck finds you.

I wish you well.

Good Luck.

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