One of life’s most intriguing questions is, “Am I just lucky?” Over the years, I’ve asked myself this question many times, and the answer has changed depending on the phase of my life. Sometimes, I felt incredibly lucky, as if things just fell into place. Other times, I questioned whether luck had anything to do with my journey at all.

For the longest time, I believed I was lucky because that’s what everyone around me said. People would look at my successes and call them “lucky breaks.” And for a while, I believed them. But deep down, I knew what others didn’t see: the struggles, the setbacks, and the relentless effort that preceded those “lucky” moments. It took me time to realize that luck isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s also shaped by the mindset you bring to every opportunity.

Luck Is a Mindset

Luck, I’ve come to understand, is a mindset. It’s about believing you’re in the right place, doing the right things, and trusting that something good will eventually come from your efforts. Let me share two personal stories that, from the outside, might seem like pure luck. But when you look closer, you’ll see how a mindset shift played a huge role.

The Reality Behind Luck

In 2015, I received a job offer on the same day I was handed a severance notice from my then-employer. When I shared the news with friends, they all said, “Wow, you’re so lucky!” And yes, the timing felt serendipitous. But when I dug deeper, I realized that luck wasn’t the whole story.

I wasn’t actively looking for a job when a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn. I could’ve ignored her message, but instead, I chose to meet with her. The role she offered paid less than my current job, and I could have easily walked away. But I saw potential and decided to pursue the opportunity anyway. I prepped for the interview as if I needed that job, going through several rounds, and ultimately landed the offer—on the exact day I was laid off.

Sure, the timing was lucky, but my mindset played a huge role in making that “luck” happen. I wasn’t passive; I opened myself up to the opportunity, even when it wasn’t an obvious step forward. By preparing, showing up, and believing that something good could come of it, I created space for that “luck” to unfold.

Now, let me share another experience—one that truly underscores how mindset shapes our experience of “luck.”

A “Lucky Break” in Entrepreneurship?

When I made the leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, many people assumed it was another lucky break. To them, the story looked simple: I quit my job, met someone at a random place, and that person ended up becoming my business partner. Together, we built a company that grew tenfold in seven years. Sounds like a fairy tale of being in the right place at the right time, doesn’t it? Pure luck, right?

Here’s the reality they didn’t see.

I didn’t leave my corporate job because I had a grand opportunity waiting. I left because my wife needed major surgery, and I chose to prioritize her health over my career. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’d ever made, and at that moment, there was no “lucky break” in sight. For the next 18 months, my family and I lived without a steady income. I took on odd jobs, including catering, just to make ends meet.

During that time, I helped a former colleague launch his start-up—for free—handling everything from building their website to securing contracts. One day, while setting up a printer at their office, I met someone raising funds for his business. We had a brief conversation, but nothing materialized immediately. Months later, after I had left the start-up, he reached out to me for help with his website. That one project turned into a partnership that became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey.

From the outside, it looked like I “just met someone” at the right place, and things magically fell into place. But in reality, I didn’t just stumble into success. I created it by staying open to possibilities, even when they weren’t clear at the time. I trusted that my efforts would eventually lead to something, and that mindset allowed me to turn a chance meeting into a long-term success.

Reframing Luck: It’s More Than Just Coincidence

Too often, we focus on the outcome and label it as “luck,” without considering the mindset and preparation that made it possible. When we do that, we overlook the power we have in shaping our own success. Instead of viewing luck as something that just happens to you, start seeing it as something you help create. Your attitude, your belief in yourself, and your persistence play a massive role in turning chances into realities.

Your Invitation to Reflect

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. How many times did you prepare, show up, and stay open to opportunities, even when they seemed like long shots? How did your mindset make those “lucky” moments possible? Reflecting on this will help you appreciate your own efforts and recognize the power of your belief in creating your own luck.

Ready to Unlock Your Full Potential?

If you’re ready to shift your mindset and take control of your journey, I’m here to help. Schedule a free session with me today, and let’s work together to unlock your next level of success. Let’s turn your challenges into stepping stones and transform your mindset to create your own luck. Set up your free session here.