In my research I had developed a theory to extract information from recorded noise. I knew that developing a theory is one thing, but that without an application to real data the theory did not have much credibility. The problem was that I did not have any data I could apply my theory to. Then one day there was a seminar at a neighboring research institute. Since I had a lot on my hands, I was inclined not to go to the seminar. But I did go. A colleague from the US Geological survey, Erdal Şafak, showed random-looking vibrations that he had recorded in a building. After the seminar I went up to him, explained my theory for extracting information from noise, and asked if he was willing to share his data with me. He was happy to do so. The next day I received the data, applied my theory and got spectacular results that led to one of my most influential research papers, a patent, and several research grants.
I was lucky to encounter somebody who just had the type of data that I was looking for and who was willing to share these data. This would not have happened if I had listened to the voice in my head that told me I was too busy to go to the seminar. It also would not have happened if Erdal has not be so generous to share his data.
This anecdote illustrates that there are two components of luck: (1) the stars must be in alignment, and (2) we must act and create the right circumstances to be lucky. If one of these elements is missing, we usually are not lucky. In the story, the seminar might not have led me to the data I was looking for—the seminar might have been purely theoretical, or the speaker might not have been in the generous frame of mind to share his data. These were factors beyond my control; the stars were in alignment to get me the data. And by attending the seminar, instead of staying trapped in my busy work, I crossed paths with somebody who could help me. My attendance created the opportunity to be lucky. Note that there are no guarantees for being lucky. Sometimes the circumstances are not right for being lucky even though we create the right conditions; life does not always make us win the jackpot!
The Roman writer Senaca wrote that “Luck is when preparation and opportunity meet.” He articulated that to be lucky there is an element of chance involved—opportunity—but that one must be pro-active to increase the odds of being lucky and to take advantage of opportunities. This is where preparation enters the mix.
There is another element to my anecdote, which is that an opportunity may present itself only briefly. After the seminar, I immediately talked to the speaker. If I would have waited a few days and contacted him by email my message might have been lost in the daily flood of messages. When the opportunity arises, it often is necessary to act quickly; a window of opportunity usually does not stay open forever.
Here are some questions that help you think about your luck. Are you aware of actions that you can take that increase your chance of being lucky? In general, this involves being outgoing and pro-active. Are you receptive to opportunities that may come your way? This may require being attuned and aware to what is happening. Are you willing and able to act quickly and effectively when an opportunity arises? Sometimes quick action is needed before a window of opportunity closes. Are you willing to create opportunities for others? We are part of a network, and creating opportunities for others is a way to contribute to the wellbeing of others, which may benefit us too in the long run. Helping others is yet another way of creating the right circumstance for being lucky.