By Rachel Barac
I recently met someone whose career journey made me stop and think: How on earth did they pull that off?
This person had gone from being a graphic designer to a marketing strategist, then a non-profit director, and now they’re a consultant in sustainable agriculture. Each pivot seemed totally unrelated, and I couldn’t help but wonder, Were they just one of those lucky people?
Curiosity got the better of me, so I asked. Their answer surprised me: it wasn’t about being lucky in the way we usually think of luck. Instead, it was about positioning themselves to recognize and take advantage of opportunities when they appeared.
They explained how their design background taught them to communicate ideas visually—skills that stood out when they moved into marketing. That marketing experience? It opened doors to leadership roles in the non-profit world, where storytelling is key. And when the chance to work in sustainable agriculture came up, they drew on their leadership and strategic expertise to make the leap.
It wasn’t luck like winning the lottery. It was what Author Maria Konnikova and neurologist Dr. James Austin call “luck from preparation and awareness.” They stayed in motion, honed their skills, built connections, and stayed curious about what might come next.
The good news? This kind of “luck” isn’t random. It’s something you can create for yourself. Let’s break it down using Dr. Austin’s “four types of luck” and Maria Konnikova’s insights on preparation and mindset:
1. Blind Luck: The Unexpected Gift
This is the kind of luck that feels completely out of your control—a chance meeting or a random stroke of good fortune. While you can’t predict it, you can be ready for it. Having a polished resume, clarity about your goals, and the confidence to say “yes” when opportunity strikes makes all the difference.
Takeaway: Stay prepared. Keep your goals in focus and your materials ready to go.
2. Luck from Motion: Action Creates Opportunity
Luck favours the active. When you put yourself out there—by networking, learning, or even sending that bold LinkedIn message—you increase your chances of encountering opportunities. Every step you take creates momentum.
For example, maybe you join a professional group, strike up a conversation, and a few months later, someone from that group refers you for your dream job.
Takeaway: Take action. Start small—schedule one networking activity a week or reach out to a couple of new connections.
3. Luck from Awareness: Seeing the Possibilities
Konnikova talks about the importance of curiosity. Staying curious helps you notice opportunities that others might miss. Maybe you see an emerging trend in your industry that aligns with your skills—or realize that a past experience gives you a unique edge in a role you never considered.
Takeaway: Stay curious. Read industry news, attend events, and stay open to learning.
4. Luck from Uniqueness: Standing Out by Being You
Your unique combination of skills and experiences isn’t just valuable—it’s what makes you you. When you embrace your uniqueness, you naturally attract opportunities that align with your strengths, highlighting the power of bringing your authentic self to the table.
Takeaway: Lean into what makes you different. Reflect on how your story and skills set you apart.
What This Means for Your Career Transition
If you’re thinking about a career change but feel stuck because you don’t check every box, remember: You don’t need to wait for some random luck to come along. Think about the skills and experiences you already have. Which ones can you bring into a new context? What connections could you build or actions could you take to create momentum?
The secret to “being lucky” is no secret at all. It’s about preparation, mindset, and action.
Ready to create your own luck? Let’s design your roadmap for a successful career transition. Book a free discovery call today, and let’s get started.
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