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
Success Advice
Stephen Covey’s 8 Leadership Habits That Will Change How You Lead Forever
If you want to lead well, connect deeply, and live fully, you must begin with principles that anchor your character and inspire those around you

In his influential book Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen R. Covey explores the values and philosophies that shape impactful, ethical, and lasting leadership. Instead of offering quick fixes or superficial techniques, Covey provides a timeless framework for personal and professional development, one grounded in integrity, fairness, and service. (more…)
Success Advice
Leadership Styles That Are Killing Innovation In Your Business
This approach is common in environments that demand discipline, fast decision-making, or secrecy

Throughout history, some of the most influential military figures, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, Attila the Hun, and General Patton, shared a common leadership style: autocratic leadership. (more…)
Change Your Mindset
You Become What You Absorb: How Input Shapes Your Life
We let the world dictate who we spend time with and what input we allow in, rarely stopping to consider the effects it’s having on us

“Input” is anything from the outside world that influences your mood, mindset, and emotional state. It includes the media you consume, the books you read, the podcasts and music you listen to, and the movies and shows you watch. But it also encompasses much more: the environment you live and work in, the conversations you have, the people you surround yourself with, and the events, personal or global, that unfold around you. (more…)
Success Advice
This Overlooked Skill Drives Real Business Growth
It strengthens relationships, enhances decision-making, and fosters trust.

In every successful leader’s toolkit, one skill stands out above the rest: the ability to listen. While good leaders are known for making confident decisions, great leaders understand that those decisions are only as strong as the information they’re based on. And that information? It comes from truly listening to their teams, peers, and even critics. (more…)
-
Personal Development4 weeks ago
Why Top Performers Create This Powerful Plan Before Taking Action
-
Personal Development4 weeks ago
The Three-Second Pause That Changes How People Perceive You
-
Mentor4 weeks ago
The 3 Mentorship Moves Every Leader Should Master
-
Shift Your Mindset3 weeks ago
10 Powerful Traits Every True Thought Leader Possesses
-
Success Advice4 weeks ago
Why Visionary Leaders Are Embracing Emotional Sovereignty Worldwide
-
Personal Development3 weeks ago
Why Humility Is the Real Superpower in Leadership
-
Success Advice3 weeks ago
Leadership vs. Popularity: Why You Can’t Have Both
-
Business3 weeks ago
How To Lead Through Internal Conflict With Integrity
5 Comments