If I were to pick a song to describe my life so far, I’d choose “Just Got Lucky”; the 80’s hit of the band JoBoxers, and best remembered as one of the music soundtrack in the movie, Bagets.
Just Got Lucky by JoBoxers
Whenever I look back at everything that has happened in the past 30 years of my life, I still couldn’t believe I’ve managed to accomplish a lot of things such as:
- Moving out of my parents’ house and learning to live on my own
- Surviving and paying off an enormous credit card debt from my years of reckless spending
- And best of all, being able to quit my job and leave the corporate world to start my own business
You could say that luck was on my side, but I know these were not just random twists of fate because hard work was a big part of my good fortune. If you likewise wish to make your own luck in this life, then I suggest you do the following:
- Open up your world. Don’t wait for opportunities to knock. Open your door, go outside the porch and seize the great opportunities you’ll see. Be proactive and go after your dreams.
- Take risks. Life is a game of hit or miss, and you’ll probably “miss” most of the time. However, that one moment when you finally hit it right will make it all worth it. Heed life’s call to adventure and face your fears.
- Be positive. If you focus on problems, then you’ll find more problems. But if you focus on solutions and always look at the brighter side – you’ll see that life opportunities are abundant.
- Never give up. The opposite of success is not failure, but inaction. Find a successful person and you’ll meet someone who failed so many times, but never gave up. Never stop working for your dreams, no matter how many times you fail.
These are some of the things I did, which helped me accomplish my dreams. And one thing that I also discovered is that - the harder I work, the luckier I usually get.
The great scientist Louis Pasteur, once said, “Chance favors the prepared mind”; and I’ve always believed in that quote. That’s why I know, if it were not for my discipline, dedication and frugality, I wouldn’t be where I am now – enjoying life outside the “rat race.”
But, alas, I still need a lot of luck in my life – for there are more challenges ahead. The most difficult one that I now face is being part of the sandwich generation and making sure that my parents have the best “Golden Years” that I can provide.
My generation, the men and women born in the late 70’s up to the mid-80’s are now starting to assume the responsibility of taking care of their aging parents; while making sure that they’re able to provide for their own and their children’s needs. It’s a hard and complicated balancing act, and a financial crisis waiting to happen if one fails to prepare for it.
So will my lucky streak continue? I believe it will. I’ve been “lucky” most of my life, and I’ve learned that it’s because I continue to be open, to take risks, to be positive, and to stay determined - to keep my eye always focused on my goals, and visualize that bright life ahead.
And because I am prepared, I know chance will favor me once again. Plan, focus, be optimistic and work hard, and I know luck will be on your side, too.
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