February 16, 2024
Ask me about the key to success, and I’ll point to luck. It’s not something many like to admit, especially those who pride themselves on being self-made. But the truth is, a lot of things have to go right that are completely out of our control. Your investor staying on, good weather for crops, stable personal lives, a competitor’s missed opportunity—these are all strokes of luck that pave the way to success.
But luck only gets you so far. What really matters is making good decisions. Opportunities might land in your lap, but you have to know what to do with them. Life is full of tough calls, and how you choose can make the difference between success and failure.
Making choices, especially the right ones, comes with experience. It involves learning from your mistakes and being smart enough to apply those lessons in the future. It’s about developing a method to navigate through those tough decisions.
Take, for example, the dilemma of a chef who dreams of owning a Michelin star restaurant but starts with a simple cafe that becomes unexpectedly popular. This success, though not what was originally envisioned, presents a crossroads: stick to the original dream against the odds, or pivot and build on the unexpected success.
This scenario isn’t unique to startups. It’s a common crossroads in any significant project or endeavor. When things don’t go as planned, do you keep pushing your original vision, or do you adapt based on what you’ve learned?
It’s a tough choice. There are stories of success on both sides—those who persevered with their original vision against all odds, and those who adapted and thrived. Knowing which path to take can be difficult.
Personally, I tend to lean towards flexibility, adapting to new information and ideas, even if it means giving up on an initial plan too soon. To balance this, I surround myself with people who are more stubborn and persistent than I am. They help me stick with things when necessary, or I can convince them to pivot when they see the wisdom in it.
Next time you’re faced with a good but unexpected situation, think about whether to resist or embrace it. The right choice could make all the difference. And, of course, it never hurts to be lucky.