How to Be Lucky

Most people think luck is something you either have or you don’t.
I think that’s lazy.

In my experience—building companies, writing, chasing things that matter—luck doesn’t usually come from nowhere. It shows up when you’ve earned it.

Not through begging or wishing.
Through preparation, exposure, and action.

So if you want to be “luckier,” start here:

Maximize Luck Surface Area

Luck needs something to stick to. Most people give it nothing.

They hide their work. Don’t share their ideas. Wait until it’s perfect. Stay in their lane. Keep the aperture narrow.

You want more luck? Increase your surface area:

  • Publish more

  • Reach out more

  • Say yes to things that feel one size too big

  • Go places you’re not sure you belong in (yet)

The more you put out into the world, the more the world can send something back.

Pick the Right Games

Some arenas are designed for randomness. Others reward sweat.

If you’re stuck in a zero-sum game where winners are chosen behind closed doors, no amount of preparation will “make you lucky.”

But if you're in a game where:

  • Value compounds over time

  • Relationships matter

  • Outputs are visible

  • Reputation travels

Then your “luck” will look inevitable—eventually.

Choose long games with high leverage and real upside. Then keep showing up.

Build a Reputation for Being Lucky

This is the underrated part.
Once you start creating value, helping others, and being known for doing good work… people will start sending you opportunities without you asking.

They’ll say things like:

  • “You’re the first person I thought of for this.”

  • “Not sure why, but this feels like your kind of thing.”

  • “You always seem to know the right person—can you help?”

That’s not an accident. That’s earned luck.

Be the Kind of Person Luck Wants to Visit

This one’s harder to measure, but maybe the most important.

Be kind without keeping score.
Help people when there’s nothing in it for you.
Take your work seriously—but not yourself.
Ask great questions. Stay curious. Show up prepared.
Be someone others want to bet on.

That energy travels. And eventually, it comes back.

Final Thought

Some people get lucky by being in the right place at the right time - but that’s rare.

Luck is about becoming the kind of person who constantly finds the right place and notices the right time—because you’ve trained yourself to be ready for it.

Don’t wait for it.

Design for it.