Luck? I Don't Believe in It: Crafting Your Own "Fortunate" Breaks in Business

Let's talk about the elephant in the boardroom: luck. Everyone loves a good underdog story. Overnight successes attributed to being "in the right place, at the right time". The problem is, this narrative is a dangerous lie that keeps people complacent, waiting for their lucky break to arrive.

Now, I'm not delusional enough to think sheer willpower can conjure a winning lottery ticket out of thin air. There's always a degree of randomness in the business world, just like a poker table sometimes deals you a dud hand. But here's the thing good poker players (and good business leaders) understand: You can dramatically influence the odds in your favor.

Manufacturing Your Serendipity

• Stack the Deck: Every business venture is a gamble, but some are far riskier than others. "Luck" favors the prepared. Deep market knowledge, strong teams, solid contingency plans – these minimize your exposure to unexpected blows.
• Expand Your Table: Don't limit yourself to a single game. Networks, diverse skillsets, exploring niche markets – this is how you spot opportunities others miss. The more hands you're in, the better your chance of a strong one.
• Play the Room, Not Just the Hand: In poker, you study opponents to predict their bets. In business, this means constantly analyzing competitors, trends, and the broader economic landscape. When you see a shift coming, you adjust BEFORE it's too late.
• Don't Be Afraid to 'Shuffle': Knowing when to fold on a bad hand is just as crucial as betting big. Stagnant projects, toxic partnerships... cut your losses early. This frees resources for when a truly high-value opportunity arises.

The Maverick Mindset

Here's the hard truth most execs won't admit: complaining about bad luck is often an excuse for inaction or poor strategy. Yes, sometimes events spiral beyond your control. But while your competitors are wringing their hands about external forces, the true maverick is relentlessly focused on what they CAN influence.

Fortune favors the bold, the adaptable, and those who put themselves in the position to seize the moment when it finally arises.

So, next time you hear someone attribute their success to luck, give me a knowing smirk. We both know they played their cards right.

Hit the comments, let's debate: Do you make your own luck, or are some people simply born lucky?