eight steps to getting lucky

 

SUCCESSFUL people often say their good fortune is the result of a 'lucky break'. Like their great job, relationship or opportunity just fell into their lap. But just where are all these moments of serendipity and how can we make them happen to us? Is it possible to increase your chances of having good luck?

Stem Lewandowski is the co-founder of Makeshift, a dynamic digital space in London, reckons you can - after all, it happened to him.

At one of the broken moments of his life he was offered a chance - to attend an awards night with a number of other people in his dream industry. Lewanowski thought about not turning up. He only had enough money to cover his train fare. Be his decision to attend transformed his 'luck' - he ended up meeting the person he'd start his successful business with.

Here's the formula to snaring your own success.

Just show up

Put yourself in the right place: Get a job in the right industry, an office in the suburb. Accept invitations to networking events and parties where you know like-minded people will be. Don't make excuses for not turning up.

Get up from your desk and take a break

Take a break

Step away from your desk/place of work regularly. Get out into the real work, meet strangers, speak to people and interact with the world around you. There's so much happening around you every day - be a part of it.

Say yes: Without the 'but'

The word 'but' immediately shuts down opportunity. The word 'yes' can take you anywhere.

Pay attention to what's happening around you
Opportunity is everywhere when you know where to look for it. But remember, most great ideas take some hard work. Don't be afraid to take it on.

Don't be too precious with your ideas

Some really great ideas need protection and privacy but others could be better if they were workshopped and discussed. Sometimes, letting go of your idea allows it to take flight.

Help other people to have serendipity

Draw people with ideas around you. Invite them to share their ideas in a communal space. Be a networker and a facilitator at the same time.

Get good at making introductions

Linked to the point above, good networking demands excellent introduction skills. Learn how to make quick and interesting links between people with great ideas.

Be OK with saying 'I don't know yet'

Adults are notoriously bad at doing something purely for the joy of doing it. Allow yourself to 'play' - do something creative every day - for no reason other than you enjoy it. This will open up your mind and help you experiment.