Dr. Seth Meyers, Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Seth Meyers, Clinical Psychologist

Thursday, July 15, 2010

GUEST BLOGGER: Amanda Kane, LSW


WANNA GET LUCKY?


“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”~Seneca

I just love a good quote. I guess it comes from my love of language and literature and words in general. I majored in English Literature at Vassar College and worked for nine years in the publishing industry before pursuing a career in mental health.

This particular quote resonates for me because it upends the concept of “luck.” Seneca emphasizes that luck, which is often synonymous with success, is not some sort of gift that is passively bestowed on us from the gods. (Unless you consider lottery winners!) In fact, very rarely do people succeed in life without investing tremendous energy and effort in their goals.

Those who seem "lucky" or successful usually work hard and focus on their objectives. It can be difficult to maintain the self-confidence and dedication that it takes you truly obtain what you want in life. Failure propels them forward rather than backward.

Sometimes it's easy to be consumed by the one-eyed monster of jealousy and imagine that those who are successful have a life blessed by fortune. But ultimately this kind of thinking is a disservice. It minimizes and undermines the tough work needed to reach your dreams. It is true that some people certainly do have it easier than others, but it is also true that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.

No comments: