Published in Career Advice
Olivia Lee
Software Engineering Project Manage
November 24, 2024
The 4 Levels of Luck. Or How Be Successful Without Getting Lucky.
Take control of your success by understanding the 4 levels of luck. Based on Dr. James Austin’s concept, this guide explores how you can create your own luck—through action, awareness, and building a unique reputation. Whether you’re a project manager or entrepreneur, discover how to actively increase your chances of success without relying on blind luck.
The concept of the 4 types of luck was popularized by Dr. James Austin, a neurologist, in his book “Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty”. In it, Austin describes four distinct kinds of luck that we can experience in life and work.
He describes how luck can be seen as more than just random chance and how we can actively increase our chances of “getting lucky” in life. The four levels represent different ways luck can occur and how much control you have over it. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Blind Luck (Dumb Luck)
Description: This is the kind of luck that just happens to you without any effort or intention. It’s purely random, like winning the lottery or being at the right place at the right time by chance.
Example: Finding $100 on the street, or someone offers you an opportunity just because you happen to be nearby.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
2. Luck from Motion (Action-Driven Luck)
Description: This type of luck comes from being active, trying new things, and putting yourself in many different situations. The more you do, the more opportunities you create for luck to strike.
Example: Someone who is always networking or working on new projects is more likely to stumble upon new opportunities simply because they are constantly moving.
3. Luck from Awareness (Recognizing Opportunities)
Description: At this level, luck comes from being aware and having the ability to recognize opportunities that others might miss. It’s about having the insight to see potential where others might not.
Example: A skilled investor might see a promising business opportunity that others overlook, or a project manager might notice an inefficiency that others miss and turn it into an advantage.
“I say luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.” – Denzel Washington
4. Luck from Unique Character (Becoming the Magnet for Luck)
Description: This is where luck finds you because of the kind of person you’ve become. Your reputation, unique skills, and the way you operate create a magnet for opportunities. You’ve developed a unique positioning where people seek you out because they know you’re the best person to connect with or solve a specific problem.
Example: A highly regarded expert in a field might be constantly approached for high-level opportunities because people know they are uniquely qualified. You become someone others go to for opportunities.
“Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
How to Apply This to Your Career as a Project Manager:
Level 1: Sometimes, good fortune will fall into your lap, but it’s rare and uncontrollable.
Level 2: Actively seek projects, networking opportunities, and constant learning. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to come across unexpected chances.
Level 3: Develop an awareness of trends, patterns, and inefficiencies in your industry or team. By training yourself to spot opportunities, you can capitalize on situations others don’t see.
Level 4: Focus on building a strong personal brand, deep expertise, and a reputation for solving specific problems. Over time, opportunities will come to you as others recognize your unique capabilities.
At higher levels, you can create your own luck by becoming a person who is prepared, aware, and connected.
Maybe we don’t need to be lucky to be lucky after all.
