TL;DR: You make your luck. Learn more during a webinar with Christian Busch, Ph.D., author of The Serendipity Mindset.
Several years ago, I stopped describing “how I got to where I am” as something that happened due to luck.
Because I don’t think luck is the “why.”
I feel a bit nervous writing this. This would have been easier to share if we didn’t have the harrowing evacuation of people from Afghanistan in the background this past week. I have been lucky in my life. In many ways.
Yet the way that I approach what could be interpreted as happening because of luck—that’s what I want to share with you. So, give me two minutes now and consider yourself more than lucky as you read this.
Pure luck didn’t guide me through my career to this point. And I’m guessing it’s the same for you.
Here’s an example: I was an English and German major.
Go ahead: laugh and roll your eyes.
I graduated from UC Berkeley during a recession, and I struggled to get any job doing anything. Yep, I didn’t create a great launchpad for my career. 
I was “lucky” my parents didn’t force me to major in something else. But they sure wondered (aloud, many times, in somewhat passive-aggressive ways) what I was thinking.
When I stop to think “how I got here,” I feel I made it happen by:
- Listening
- Thinking
- Seeking
- Asking*
I listen to people. I ask questions, and I listen.
I think about what I want to do. I think about what I like to do. And what I need to do.
I seek. I’m curious. I look for people, things, and topics I need to learn about. Ones that connect me to what I love and what I do well.
Then, I ask. This is the tough part for me. This is what I am working on (every day). This is what I’m not particularly eager to do.
I’m looking for things. I’m looking for luck. In all the right places (most of the time).
I suppose I was lucky when my former colleague Eric Schurenberg, CEO at Mansueto Ventures, posted on LinkedIn that he was hosting the author of The Serendipity Mindset, Dr. Christian Busch, for a LinkedIn live discussion.
While I was lucky I saw Eric’s LinkedIn post, and while I had the time free, I made the effort to be there.
I’ve never looked for a book on this topic: the idea of creating luck. Is there science behind it? Is there a strategy? Yes, and yes!
And after that LinkedIn live, I asked (again, not my favorite thing and not easy) Dr. Busch if he would join me for a webinar. And he said yes.
I would love it if you joined us on September 8 at 12 noon PDT/3 pm EDT when Dr. Busch discusses how your mindset can help you create luck.
Many things are random, yet Dr. Busch’s work tells him that you can create serendipity.
Please register to join us, and yes, I’ll record the discussion. But I will give away 10 copies of the book for those lucky enough to register and then choose to be there live.
I hope you can join us.
Lead with ease,
Leila
