Luck Doesn’t Find You. You Find It. Here’s How to Make Your Own "Lucky Break."
Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get."
In a world where business success often gets portrayed as a series of overnight wins—sales reps sealing massive deals, CEOs signing million-dollar contracts—it’s easy to think success is all about timing, fate, or that magical “lucky break.” But Jill Konrath’s powerful words cut through this myth and remind us of something crucial: luck doesn’t just happen—you create it.
His quote is a punch in the gut for anyone waiting for things to fall into their lap. It speaks to the heart of what it really takes to win in business: relentless effort, persistence, and a willingness to keep going even when the odds seem stacked against you. If you’re putting in the work, then luck isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s a result of everything you do to keep pushing forward.
1. Luck is a Result of Your Effort, Not a Coincidence
We often think of luck as something random, something that happens to the fortunate few. But what if luck is actually the natural byproduct of persistent effort? What if your constant pursuit of opportunities, your hustle, and your commitment to never giving up are what create the lucky moments? This shift in mindset allows you to take control. Luck isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create by showing up every single day and never backing down.
2. Persistence is Your Secret Weapon
In business, rejection is inevitable. Deals don’t close, pitches get rejected, and things often don’t go as planned. Konrath’s quote flips the script by reminding us that true success comes from perseverance. "Pursue luck with a vengeance" might sound intense, but it’s spot-on. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it's about having the grit to push through the setbacks, to keep searching for solutions, and to stay hungry for opportunities even when the going gets tough.
3. Proactivity Wins Every Time
Picture two salespeople. One waits for the phone to ring, hoping that leads will appear magically. The other is out there, shaking hands, networking, attending events, and hustling to make connections. Who’s more likely to succeed? The second one, hands down. Business doesn’t reward passivity. Success goes to those who are proactive, who take initiative, who don’t wait for opportunities to knock but go out and create them.
4. It’s All About the Journey
The idea of “pursuing luck with a vengeance” isn’t just about chasing a big payday—it’s about valuing every step of the process. Every meeting, every relationship, every little win along the way is part of your growth. Embracing this mindset means celebrating the journey, not just the destination. It’s about continually improving yourself, expanding your knowledge, and understanding that every challenge is a learning experience.
Turning These Insights Into Action:
So, how do you put Konrath’s message into action in your own business journey? Here are some steps to get you started:
Set SMART Goals: Sure, it sounds basic, but it’s essential. Define your goals—make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This creates a roadmap for your pursuit of success (and “luck”).
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Believe that with effort and persistence, you can always level up your skills and knowledge.
Network with Purpose: Build relationships with those who can open doors, offer advice, and share wisdom.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: The business world is always changing. Stay on top of trends, take workshops, and never stop learning from mentors.
Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for the big moments to celebrate. Acknowledge every milestone to keep the momentum going.
The Bottom Line:
Forget the myth of the “lucky break.” Success isn’t about waiting for things to fall into place—it’s about constantly pursuing opportunities with relentless determination. It’s about learning, growing, and putting in the work to make your own luck. When you stop waiting for it and start actively creating it, you’ll begin to see the doors open wide.
Don’t wait for luck to find you—go after it with everything you’ve got.