How do you know if you are lucky or capable?
So often, we brush aside good things in life and see them as “luck”
Especially, for the really good ones.
Of course, there’s an element of luck.
I am not saying there are none.
However, how do you know if it’s your capability or is it luck?
I have come to accept that in life, things are not always mutually exclusive.
Things are not black or white.
Too often, we resolve to believing the extreme.
It’s either I am lucky or I am capable.
When I did very well in my role – I told myself, “business landscape wasn’t as challenging”
When I did well as a manager – I told myself, “the people on my team were nice.”
I give myself too little credit most of the time.
I am aware that there are so many factors at play.
Without the causes and conditions coming together, things cannot happen as well.
Thus, I always honor the greatness of timing and how things play out.
I am grateful for the wonderful opportunities in my life and for many years, I was scared that my luck would run out.
When I was younger, I was always wondering if I deserved all this.
Whether I was too lucky.
I would be on the edge, waiting for the “bad news” to arrive.
As I grow, I am learning to partner with luck.
I learned to not disregard my efforts.
Luck is preparation meets opportunity.
I don’t have to choose one or the other.
If I wasn’t prepared at all to catch the opportunity, it will slip past my fingers.
Without some luck, no matter how prepared I am, I may not achieve what I want as well.
Since I started my coaching practice, I have been receiving steady inquiries for my coaching service and have been consistently working with clients. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
When I have more clients, there’s a tiny voice that says – "you’re just lucky."
I would acknowledge that voice and be grateful. Indeed, I feel lucky that I get to serve others and make a living doing that.
At the same time, I am also proud that I was showing up consistently in educating and sharing about the work I care deeply about.
It builds my confidence and capacity to believe in myself. It is a vital ingredient to thrive sustainably.
I am now aware of the importance of acknowledging myself, and surrendering to timing as well.
Are you lucky?
Yes, you are.
The fact that you have internet access and reading this, you’re already lucky in many ways.
At the same time, I also believe that you’re capable.
When you do well and things happen better than expected, accept that you’re capable and lucky.
Without your preparation and efforts, you won’t be able to catch that luck.
When things don’t happen as expected, accept that perhaps there’s room for improvement and perhaps it’s slightly unlucky.
There’s no need to disregard luck and your capability (the world works in mysterious ways).
They can both co-exist.
PS: If you resonate with this reflection and find it helpful, share this with your friends and family. It will be a gift to them! They can choose to subscribe to the upcoming newsletters here.
PPS: I am now opening up coaching slots starting in September. If you would like to move beyond your self-doubt and negative emotions to give yourself the gift of more courage, confidence, joy & peace to start off 2024, you may apply for a coaching discovery session here.
Love,
TJ
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