I want to share a concept that has probably helped the most in my career…
Nice hook, right? But it’s true… it’s called increasing your ‘Luck Surface Area’.
When people tell me that I’m lucky, they might be right… but only partially. To me, luck isn’t just random fate. It’s often the result of intention, positioning and choices. You can create the conditions where serendipity can strike.
When you cultivate genuine relationships, talk to people, show up, stay curious… doors start opening. Opportunities appear that you didn’t even know existed. That’s how you grow your own ‘Luck Surface’.
It came back to me this morning over a coffee with my good friend Gokay Odagacioglu. I drew this visual representation of the surface area concept.
It’s actually quite simple.
This concept has two elements or axis:
1.Exposure:
Putting yourself out there. Meeting people. Joining communities. Trying activities and clubs. Surrounding yourself with inspiring minds. Listening to ideas that challenge you. Asking questions. Staying curious.
2.Action:
Being bold. Signing up for things before you feel fully ready. Sending the message. Asking for the coffee chat. Starting a course without knowing exactly where it leads. Speaking up. Sharing your views. Saying a big yes. Moving fast before the moment passes. Expanding your options.
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Every meaningful project, friendship, mentor, job and adventure in my life came from this combination.
And the same applies to yours. None of it happens if you stay waiting behind a laptop, hoping to get lucky.
This is exactly what I work on in my coaching practice: helping people increase both action and exposure.
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So here’s an invitation for you.
Choose and do something small this week that increases one of them.
Increase your ‘Exposure’ by:
• Having lunch with someone new from your work that you find interesting.
• Joining a community that talks about topics you love (I’m a big fan of the D2 collective).
• Showing up at the next event happening in your city (check Meetup).
• Sending five messages to people you admire asking for a short conversation.
Increase your ‘Action’ by:
• Saying yes to an opportunity you’ve been overthinking.
• Applying to something slightly out of your league.
• Posting a video/post with a hot take you’d normally keep to yourself.
• Signing up for training in something that interests you even if you’re not sure how you’ll use it yet.
As Richard Branson says, “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.”
So pick one move and go for it this week. Say the yes. Send the message. Walk into the room.
Your future self will thank you for it.
