Prompt #26: Surprise success

We’re all taught that success is something you have to work for.

We’re told: “Set goals, then takes steps achieve them. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, pick an even bigger goal. Then, keep going.”

Fortunately, though, sometimes success catches us completely by surprise.

It could be an article we wrote 6 months ago being picked up by a major publication. Or an idea we mentioned to someone at a conference that completely changed their life. Or a joke we cracked on social media one night that resulted in thousands of shares by morning.

“Oh! Wait — what?” we ask in grateful shock. “How did that happen?!”

The answer is complex. It’s a mix of luck, timing, and (of course) our own brilliance. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it feels like the universe is smiling down.

So for this week, tell us: What are some of your surprise successes?

What was an idea that took off, or an offering that started selling like crazy, seemingly completely unprovoked?

And what happened next?

Get writing with us, and share your answers below.