It often takes a lot of work, persistence, and a clear vision to accomplish a goal. Hard effort is usually seen as the foundation of success, whether it is advancing in a company, learning a new talent, or just making it through a difficult situation. However, there are times when everything comes together almost naturally and success just seems to happen. One important factor that is frequently disregarded in both situations is luck. Success can occasionally be attributed to pure luck, such as being at the right place at the right moment or barely avoiding a terrible consequence.
The following tales serve as excellent examples of how luck is erratic and can have significant, unanticipated effects on our lives.
My spouse and I had spent the evening with friends and family at a party. It was nearly two in the morning when the night came to a close, and we were on our way home. To our dismay, our automobile unexpectedly broke down when we were traveling in a secluded, forested area. We had few options because we didn’t have cell phones at the time. The lonely place made us feel insecure, and we were stranded without a way to call for assistance.
An automobile came into view an hour later. A young man from a nearby town who was a college student had pulled over to help us. He generously offered to take us to the closest town by car. He just said, “I’m happy to help,” but my wife and I were so appreciative that we wanted to give him money for his trouble.
After he dropped us off safely, we thanked him profusely and said our goodbyes. In the moment, the interaction seemed like a spontaneous act of kindness. But years later, I received a crisis call from my wife. When she requested me to switch on the news, her voice wavered. We were completely taken aback by what we saw.
In reality, the young man who had aided us was a criminal—a suspected serial thief who had preyed on more than thirty people. His approach was calculating and cold. The man would offer rides to stranded drivers or pose as a lost hiker looking for a ride. He would rob his victims after earning their trust, leaving them stranded in isolated areas.
The fact that he hadn’t robbed us in spite of his criminal past was the most unnerving aspect. We would never be able to justify our exemption. Maybe he was put off by the fact that we were both present, or maybe my height and muscle might have done the trick. However, we were lucky for whatever reason. The result might have been entirely different if we had been a different couple and the situation had been somewhat different.
It’s obvious to us now that luck was a major factor in this incident. What appeared to be a small act of compassion turned out to be one of the most important pieces of luck in our lives, and we were in the right place at the right time.
In another case, my acquaintance was saved from certain death by an unforeseen circumstance. He’s the kind of guy who usually stays away from bars, but one night he made the bold decision to approach a woman at a nearby bar and start a discussion. He asked if they might meet again because he thought she was intriguing and appealing. He was thrilled that the date went well and they had a good time together.
Over the course of the evening, the woman—who also happened to be a nurse—put her head on his chest as they hugged on the couch. As she listened to his heartbeat, she became aware of an odd rhythm that appeared worrisome. She demanded that he see the emergency room right away.
My companion reluctantly consented, and when they got to the hospital, the physicians verified the woman’s fears. As it turned out, my acquaintance needed surgery right away due to a terrible heart problem. According to the physicians, he would have most likely passed away within the next 24 hours if he hadn’t sought medical help that evening.
My acquaintance didn’t exhibit any symptoms or early indicators of the illness at the time. He had no notion what was wrong and felt completely well. Nevertheless, he was fortunate enough to run into a nurse who noticed his erratic heartbeat and encouraged him to get care. He wouldn’t have discovered the illness until it was too late if it weren’t for her.
This tale emphasizes how erratic life can be and how, on occasion, luck just comes down to timing—finding the perfect person who can provide support when it’s most needed. In this instance, my friend’s survival came from an unexpected encounter rather than from his deeds or planning. It was just plain luck.
Both of these tales highlight a vital point: luck is frequently disregarded yet has a big impact on our results, even while hard work and perseverance are necessary for reaching objectives and navigating life. Although we were lucky not to become victims of a criminal in the first scenario, our unanticipated protection resulted from a spontaneous act of compassion. In the second story, my friend didn’t even realize he required a life-saving intervention until he happened to meet a nurse by coincidence.
These incidents serve as a reminder that, despite our best efforts and planning, luck will always play a part in achieving our objectives. Sometimes, success comes from meeting the right people, being in the right place at the right time, or just avoiding the worst case scenario without taking any personal action. It serves as a reminder that, frequently, circumstances outside of our control affect how things turn out, which is when luck enters the picture.
Even when it appears that success was only the product of hard work, it is crucial to acknowledge and value the times when fortune is on our side as we work toward our objectives. Luck continues to be an unseen force that occasionally makes all the difference in our lives, whether it be through a chance encounter, a lucky break, or just avoiding a catastrophe.