When was the last time you sat in a clover field and looked for four-leaf clovers? I remember sprawling on the grass and spending hours looking through an endless sea of green trying to find one when I was a kid. For the past two weeks, I’ve shared how to be “luckier” by being more thoughtful and organized, as well as being mindful. This week we’re taking good fortune to a new active level.
Sometimes luck is random. You spot a four-leaf clover when sitting on a bench as the kids play on a playground. You weren’t really looking for it, but it was just there. However, most “luck” and good fortune we spot in others is often a result of them spending hours working at the goal they are trying to achieve. It’s easy to say “ Oh, that person got that opportunity because they are lucky” when we can’t see just how hard they worked to get to that point.
Just like finding a four-leaf clover, we get better results when we work at something instead of relying on catching a lucky break.
Try this:
No doubt there’s something you have always wanted to try or do. Maybe it’s traveling to somewhere amazing. Maybe it’s running a 5k. Maybe it’s finally organizing the laundry room. I won’t judge. When we see someone else who has done that thing, instead of thinking how lucky they are for having that opportunity or having the time, look for how they made it possible in their busy life. Then, take a moment and see if you might be able to do the same.
Storytime:
There’s a famous book called “The Four Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss where he outlines the difference between achieving and wanting to achieve. Those who achieve, plan. Those who want to achieve, dream. For years I had so many dreams that I believed had to wait for the “ideal” moment before I could act on them. Then, I turned thirty. There was something about hitting that age milestone that really made me reevaluate what I wanted to do with my life and what I’d need to do to get there. Waiting for the kids to grow up would mean losing 10-15 years to start working toward my goal. So, I started making plans and finding time in my schedule to do what I felt was important. Ten years later, I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished and can’t wait to keep moving forward.
