Is Entrepreneurial Fortune Pure Luck?

Luck, that elusive force —defined as success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions

Could it be an esoteric interaction or a manifestation of our brain’s acute awareness of desires? Perhaps it’s merely about being in the right place at the right time, in just the right way, just so…

What is the connection between entrepreneurial fortune and luck? Could there be a link where the characteristics of being polymathic can make a difference? Our chief editor @VShroff talks about the links between entrepreneurial fortune, luck and how polymaths contribute to its success here.

Unveiling the Lucky Charms

Reflecting on my recent label of “lucky,” I found myself questioning its meaning. While others saw me attracting opportunities, I did not recognise these instances as lucky. Witnessing successful entrepreneurs accumulate wealth seemingly effortlessly raises questions about luck’s role in their journey. I quizzed a successful entrepreneur labeled as lucky who explained his belief in luck. He emphasised being in the right place at the right time, attributing a majority of his success to pure luck.

Despite this, I partly felt that he wasn’t giving himself enough credit. I contemplated whether successful entrepreneurs truly owe everything to luck, I wondered if there is more at play? What defines luck? Is there a scientific rationale, and can we intentionally influence our luck through mindset and actions?

Neuroscience unraveled

Your brain has magical capabilities, or so it can seem, for example, have you ever noticed that after someone mentions they never see yellow cars anymore, all you spot is yellow cars? Our brain systematically pulls data from the functions of our memory and frontal neocortex activity lighting up your ability to selectively focus on patterns.

This mechanism of the brain is a vital part of our ability to learn. Memories significantly aid in pattern recognition, for example, one can only recognise a yellow car if they have seen it or imagined it previously, this facilitates us to identify and seek familiar patterns to fulfil our aspirations for luck.

Focus, Action, Attraction

Could luck be a byproduct of our focused attention? Focusing on pursuing a goal inherently guides us toward actions. Taking consistent action increases the likelihood of desired outcomes, for example, if you want to secure more clients in your business, the more people you sell to the greater chance you will sell your product!

Dedication to our goals amplifies the probability of attracting the desired outcomes. The power of our attention may well be the linchpin in shaping our experience of luck. The more we show up, the more luck we seemingly create.

Cultural Kaleidoscope

It is important to mention that our perception of luck is influenced by memory and perceptual organisation often sculpted by cultural and superstitious beliefs. Ever prayed for rain and witnessed it, feeling it was luck? Or was it because luck had kindled the chance? You can draw your own conclusion, but if all of these factors play a role in our experience of luck then perhaps we can experience more of it.

Richard Branson’s Playbook: The Blueprint of Opportunistic Luck

Richard Branson is known for his attitude towards luck. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity…We are constantly having lucky things happen to us, whether you recognise it or not. I have not been any more lucky or unlucky than anyone else. The difference is when luck came my way, I took advantage of it.”

Perhaps, luck does have something to do with being in the right place at the right time; rather being prepared with the right mindset to recognise and seize opportunities as it is happening so as to cultivate lucky moments.

Entrepreneurship Beyond Chance

Being a successful entrepreneur is more than just luck; Entrepreneurship requires dedication, skills and the right attitude. At some point an entrepreneur will experience a moment when these skills are necessary to the survival of one’s business. Relying solely on luck won’t always untangle hurdles; it’s nurturing your resources and skills and harnessing resilience that sees you through. So, if you feel luck is not on your side, ponder not on its existence but how your mindset and actions shape the opportunities that come your way.

Short article written by Tiffany for The Polymath Collective

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