Success Advice
Creating Success Through Serendipity
Long before the movie came out, Serendipity has always been one of my favourite words, purely because of the meaning.
Serendipity means a “ fortunate accident” or “pleasant surprise”; Any event or incident that happens purely by chance while one is not actively searching for it, resulting in a life transforming happy outcome – ‘Serendipity‘.
Many inventions and discoveries owe their existence to serendipity.
Fireworks, Superglue, Penicillin, Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity and the discovery of America by Columbus – just to name a few!
Are the examples given above just pure luck and happened just because somebody was at the right place at the right time, or is there something more to it?
Reflect on the fact that everybody would not have reacted like Newton if an apple fell on their heads and started wondering about gravity. But Newton did, he recognized and took advantage of the event. Are there ways in which we can improve our ability to recognize and take advantage of events, which can bring about a great change in our lives or perhaps to the whole world?
When I came across the SerenA project I was immediately intrigued. University College London has a project running on Serendipity in which it is trying to find out if there are patterns to people’s experiences that could help us to recognize and take advantage of such events. What a brilliant idea!
With many stories submitted from people all over the world, what have the researchers found to be the common denominator?
Well, people who converted those opportunities into positive outcomes had two things in common. The first trait was their ability to recognize the opportunity, and the second was their willingness to act on it. Action is always needed to translate the opportunity to a desirable end result.
‘First, you need to notice the old friend. Then you need to stop and talk to them, even though you might be busy or running late. Finally, you need to follow-up on whatever might come out of that conversation.’
In short, serendipity involves an element of luck that is out of our control but you also have to have the wisdom to spot the opportunity and act. Without the latter, the opportunity would be lost.
So why do some people seem luckier than others? It is simple! These people are more open to recognising an opportunity and seizing it. What makes them different from others is their ability to be open-minded, to look for the signs that could lead to an opportunity as opposed to people who are anxious, tense and worried all the time which disrupts their ability to be aware of the unexpected.
Being outgoing and interacting with people and your surroundings will provide you with a higher chance of hitting that lucky chance or situation, leading you into a Serendipitous moment,– coming off as luck to an onlooker who is afraid of failure and doesn’t step outside of their comfort zone.
People interpret serendipity in a lot of different ways but it all comes down to, not what you see, but what you do with it.
“The harder I work, the luckier I get.” – Samuel Goldwyn
Article By: Charlene Barry | Addicted2Success.com
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9 Harsh Truths Every Young Man Must Face to Succeed in the Modern World
Before chasing success, every young man needs to face these 9 brutal realities shaping masculinity in the modern world.
Many young men today quietly battle depression, loneliness, and a sense of confusion about who they’re meant to be.
Some blame the lack of deep friendships or romantic relationships. Others feel lost in a digital world that often labels traditional masculinity as “toxic.”
But the truth is this: becoming a man in the modern age takes more than just surviving. It takes resilience, direction, and a willingness to grow even when no one’s watching.
Success doesn’t arrive by accident or luck. It’s built on discipline, sacrifice, and consistency.
Here are 9 harsh truths every young man should know if he wants to thrive, not just survive, in the digital age.
1. Never Use Your Illness as an Excuse
As Dr. Jordan B. Peterson often says, successful people don’t complain; they act.
Your illness, hardship, or struggle shouldn’t define your limits; it should define your motivation. Rest when you must, but always get back up and keep building your dreams. Motivation doesn’t appear magically. It comes after you take action.
Here are five key lessons I’ve learned from Dr. Peterson:
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Learn to write clearly; clarity of thought makes you dangerous.
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Read quality literature in your free time.
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Nurture a strong relationship with your family.
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Share your ideas publicly; your voice matters.
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Become a “monster”, powerful, but disciplined enough to control it.
The best leaders and thinkers are grounded. They welcome criticism, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward no matter what.
2. You Can’t Please Everyone And That’s Okay
You don’t need a crowd of people to feel fulfilled. You need a few friends who genuinely accept you for who you are.
If your circle doesn’t bring out your best, it’s okay to walk away. Solitude can be a powerful teacher. It gives you space to understand what you truly want from life. Remember, successful men aren’t people-pleasers; they’re purpose-driven.
3. You Can Control the Process, Not the Outcome
Especially in creative work, writing, business, or content creation, you control effort, not results.
You might publish two articles a day, but you can’t dictate which one will go viral. Focus on mastery, not metrics. Many great writers toiled for years in obscurity before anyone noticed them. Rejection, criticism, and indifference are all part of the path.
The best creators focus on storytelling, not applause.
4. Rejection Is Never Personal
Rejection doesn’t mean you’re unworthy. It simply means your offer, idea, or timing didn’t align.
Every successful person has faced rejection repeatedly. What separates them is persistence and perspective. They see rejection as feedback, not failure. The faster you learn that truth, the faster you’ll grow.
5. Women Value Comfort and Security
Understanding women requires maturity and empathy.
Through books, lectures, and personal growth, I’ve learned that most women desire a man who is grounded, intelligent, confident, emotionally stable, and consistent. Some want humor, others intellect, but nearly all want to feel safe and supported.
Instead of chasing attention, work on self-improvement. Build competence and confidence, and the rest will follow naturally.
6. There’s No Such Thing as Failure, Only Lessons
A powerful lesson from Neuro-Linguistic Programming: failure only exists when you stop trying.
Every mistake brings data. Every setback builds wisdom. The most successful men aren’t fearless. They’ve simply learned to act despite fear.
Be proud of your scars. They’re proof you were brave enough to try.
7. Public Speaking Is an Art Form
Public speaking is one of the most valuable and underrated skills a man can master.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. The best speakers tell stories, inspire confidence, and make people feel seen. They research deeply, speak honestly, and practice relentlessly.
If you can speak well, you can lead, sell, teach, and inspire. Start small, practice at work, in class, or even in front of a mirror, and watch your confidence skyrocket.
8. Teaching Is Leadership in Disguise
Great teachers are not just knowledgeable. They’re brave, compassionate, and disciplined.
Teaching forces you to articulate what you know, and in doing so, you master it at a deeper level. Whether you’re mentoring a peer, leading a team, or sharing insights online, teaching refines your purpose.
Lifelong learners become lifelong leaders.
9. Study Human Nature to Achieve Your Dreams
One of the toughest lessons to accept: most people are self-interested.
That’s not cynicism, it’s human nature. Understanding this helps you navigate relationships, business, and communication more effectively.
Everyone has a darker side, but successful people learn to channel theirs productively into discipline, creativity, and drive.
Psychology isn’t just theory; it’s a toolkit. Learn how people think, act, and decide, and you’ll know how to lead them, influence them, and even understand yourself better.
Final Thoughts
The digital age offers endless opportunities, but only to those who are willing to take responsibility, confront discomfort, and keep improving.
Becoming a man today means embracing the hard truths most avoid.
Because at the end of the day, success isn’t about luck. It’s about who you become when life tests you the most.
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