CoachingCorner: Are You Lucky?
By Master Coach Marilou Butcher Roth
Currently I am reading a book entitled “Conscious Luck,” authored by one of my mentors, Gay Hendricks. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have been drawn to this title, and yet, with Gay as the author, and one of my favorite people, it was a no brainer.
Luck? What does that mean to you? Personally, it is not one of those words that I have paid much attention to. Looking around, I would deem some folks as lucky and some as unlucky, I suppose. In reflection, that seems a bit silly. Then, of course, there is the theory that “the harder you work, the luckier you get.” This particular line of thinking has never been one that I have resonated with, always feeling there had to be an easier way.
In looking at both of these ideas, it seemed that in one scenario, you were, or were not, given the gift of luck, with no control over whether that illusive luck would manage to find its way to you. The other perspective about working harder, puts all of your luck back into your court and control. This path appears more viable, if working your butt off is your direction of choice.
What about a possible third option? Curious? Yes, I was as well. Gay introduces the idea of bringing more consciousness into the idea of your individual luck. He tells the story of one boy he knew from his childhood that always seemed to find luck in whatever he did. In looking closer, and from chatting with this friend, he discovered that this boy had decided early on in his life that he was in fact, lucky. Hmm, that seems interesting and easy!
Is it possible to merely shift your mindset into one of luck? Let’s agree that I am not here to give you absolutes, rather to open a new level of curiosity of how you feel about your life and what comes or doesn’t come to you. The idea is still percolating for me, and I am finding my awareness has certainly increased around being lucky. One piece that has been greatly beneficial is thinking about time periods in my life, and realizing how lucky I actually am. This might be an easy place for you to begin as well.
Hopefully, this has given you something to toss around for the next while, finding your own ways to be more aware of luck. And, of course, you could always get the book!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.