I recently came across a quote on Instagram that read, ‘Luck is where opportunity meets preparedness.’ That got me thinking of how many of us view successful people as lucky. When someone gets a juicy business deal or a promotion at work (on merit), most of us see it as luck. Few see it as legitimately earned.
I came across another quote that read ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get.’ So why do we perceive success as mostly luck? France has just won the World Cup in Russia. I bet there were folks who attributed that to luck. Others said Croatia was even luckier to get to the finals. I think their beautiful president had something to do with their success. Those tight hugs of unconditional acceptance she gave her players must have made them play their hearts out. Especially if that’s how they were sent off to Russia.
I’m not soccer crazed so I didn’t follow the team’s progress keenly or dig into their journey to the top. I’m sure each of the players, their coach, officials and maybe even their president worked tirelessly to prepare for the World Cup. We could say it took them years to become an overnight success. My oldest baby shark is crazy about soccer. She is the reason I paid closer attention to the tournament so that I could answer her many questions. In my house, daddy has all the answers hehe. She plays for the junior school team at her school. I’m silently praying she stays focused there for a while. Her long legs and agility may just earn her a scholarship and I’ll be a very happy dad.
I love watching National Geographic, especially the battle of the titans between lions and buffaloes. I get fixated on my TV screen when lions are laying an ambush for their prey. The success of their strategy is largely based on timing. If any of them gets out of position and attacks too early or too late then the whole pride misses dinner and sleeps hungry.
In my halftime journey, I’m finding both timing and the hard work of preparation are close travelling companions. The point at which they both converge is when the target is in plain sight. That’s the best time to strike. I met with one of my avid readers this week. Growing up, we went to the same church many years ago then life took us on different paths. Kuka (short for two long Meru names) reached out and we reconnected this week. Kuka’s energy makes drinking Redbull feel like drinking water. You can’t match it. I discovered she’s a very roho safi person by the end of our date.
We met at Java, Valley Arcade to catch up as we sipped some ice-cold lemonade. The Nairobi cold was on half-term. The sun had come out that day so it had to be a cold drink. Just in case any of you are wondering how could I be so stingy and not buy the lady lunch after she’s travelled all the way from Meru then connected to Valley Arcade with a nduthi. I actually ordered a meal but it took almost an hour to arrive. By the time the food came we were winding up so I cancelled the order and asked for our bill. Maybe next time we should place our order the day before. Though the good manager apologised by paying for our lemonade. We might just give them another chance.
Kuka wanted to meet after reading my last article (Victim of Success) – She has a background in media and believes she can open some doors for me to grow my storytelling and reach more folks plus start earning from it. She committed to hooking me up with a few people who could help monetize my blog. I loved how she saw value that I seem blind to in as far as this storytelling goes. Thank you Kuka. You were the highlight of my day on Tuesday and you affirmed that the pure human spirit is still alive and active, especially at this time of crimes against humanity (in the name of corruption) being the norm.
Writing weekly for almost eighteen months has taken commitment and hard work. Mental juices often run dry and I have to look for new juice to deliver a story for you guys every Friday. My other public service jobs require continuous effort and promise to be rewarding both to me and those we serve in future.
Meeting Kuka encouraged me a lot. She was like the smell of rain and I sense that soon the right timing will converge with the labour of love that I’ve been up to for the last few years. I’m looking forward to that point when I will get within striking distance.
Folks, may we be alert enough and trust enough that when our luck is within striking distance, we shall jump on it. The trick is to remain committed to the grind as we look out for the perfect timing. If any of you have gone through this and are now eating luck with a big spoon, please share your highlights. You will help many of us behind you.
Yes indeed. Luck always meets preparedness. The business of so and so just got lucky is hog wash. In my younger years, I remember reading a Dolly Parton interview where she said that she began singing in 1963 and her first hit was in 1976. For some reason that really stayed with me. She’d kept at it consistently for 13 years before she became a hit. It also reminds me of Tina Turner who struck out on her own at the “half time” age of 44! Consistency even in the face of adversity…where rubber meets the road.. is where Lady Luck meets one!
Lucas in addition to your great thoughts, allow me to add, FOCUS! It’s been amazing to see how you’ve been focused despite the challenges you’ve faced. I’m rooting for you and praying that God uses Kuka’s supportive work to elevate you to the next level He wants you to be at, in Jesus’ name!