A lucky break might be more achievable than you think...

For 2023 am sure a lot of us wish for a little lucky break even if deep down inside we know it is just that: a wish.

...but maybe I have good news for you that I hope will make you feel luckier entering the new year!

I was scrolling on Twitter today and came across an awesome tweet by Sahil Bloom (here is the link to the tweet). Essentially it was an insight that there are 4 types of luck in life: one you can't do much about, but the good news is that for the other 3 you can!

I hope Sahil will forgive me plagiarising him, but he explained it so beautifully that I am reproducing parts of it here and translating it into what I think this means for all of us as entrepreneurs.

The 4 Types of Luck

1. Blind Luck
2. Luck from Motion
3. Luck from Awareness
4. Luck from Uniqueness

Type 1: Blind Luck - Completely out of your control:

Example: "Where you are born, Who you are born to, Base circumstances of your life, Truly random occurrences of the universe."

Life is not the nicest poker player. It regularly hands out horrible decks of cards to some of the most awesome people I know (and many more that I don't). People with great attitudes, brains, enthusiasm, passion to make a difference and desire to improve the lives of their communities but because they were born in an area without great access to education, resources, networks or introductions they never get that lucky break many (including me) got. I know many friends who live in tin shacks in Africa without water and electricity who beat me hands down in talent and intellect.

There is very little one can do with this kind of luck though there is a hack that friends who are reading this could use to break the unlucky cycle for others: why not adopt a struggling entrepreneur? Open doors for them, introduce them, endorse them with your reputation and experience, sit on their boards... in other words sprinkle some of your magic lucky dust on them).

Type 2: Luck from Motion - You’re creating motion and collisions through hustle and energy that you are inserting into an ecosystem.

"You increase your luck surface area through simple movement. The increase in collisions opens you up to more lucky events."

Simply translated for us entrepreneurs: don't wait and hope for things to happen! I know it is hard when things are tough to put on a brave face and get out there, but sitting at home is not going to help.

Here are 5 practical things you can do to increase your Motion luck:

1. Go hang out with other entrepreneurs. It will give you perspective that you are not alone.
2. Go for walks. It is scientifically proven that walking (fresh air and movement) stimulate your brain which in turns will give you ideas of what to do!
3. Share what you are working on in various social media channels... You don't have to give away confidential things, but when you share what you are working on you are giving a chance for people to engage with you and introduce you! E.g. "I am working on a project to turn an old office space into an exciting coworking space! Here's a pic of what it looks like currently. Keep watching this space to see how it will develop! Thank you to (name of person or company if you wish to thank them) for giving us this opportunity! (add pic
4. Share what you are struggling with. Really. E.g. I am struggling to find a solution to deliver medication cost-effectively across a big city. Anyone have ideas?
5. Share what you are looking for... E.g. I am presently redoing a garden for a real estate agent that wants to make the garden more beautiful for potential buyers. Looking for ideas of plants and irrigation ideas that use less water to make this garden more sustainable.

Type 3: Luck from Awareness - Depth of understanding within a given arena allows you to become very good at positioning yourself for lucky breaks.

"The author of the book, Naval?says: "You become very good at spotting luck." You can “spot luck” from a mile away because of your knowledge and experience."

Translated for us entrepreneurs: become a kick ass expert in an area, share articles, opinions, tips and resources around that area (and only that area - dammit - or you'll dilute your reputation). That expertise will start attracting people who need your help... and if you stand your ground you can charge (or barter) for your expertise!

Type 4: Luck from Uniqueness - Your unique set of attributes attracts specific luck to you.

“[This type] favors those with distinctive, if not eccentric hobbies, personal lifestyles, and motor behaviors.” - Dr. James Austin. Type 4 Luck actually seeks you out."

Translated for us entrepreneurs: this is the luck that comes to you when people get to know who you are and what you do. This has to do with you finding your voice... events you host/moderate... the podcast you created... your reputation... There are many people you know and admire... people you follow because they inspire you or who you envy because they are so genuine... They found the courage to be themselves and use their businesses as an extension of themselves. This isn't easy: we spent so much of our lives pleasing others and trying to be what our parents, friends and society wants us to be that being ourselves isn't a walk in the park... but if you do decide to go for that walk... well... Know that I will be standing there applauding you!

Here's to being lucky in 2023! May you journey bring you many steps closer to your dreams...

..and remember: real success is achieved by thousands of tiny steps.