There is no doubt luck can fall your way at any time. But, let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that’s all it is. When we choose to enter the game of opportunity and show up to put in the work repeatedly, we are giving ourselves a chance to fail – no doubt – but we are also increasing our odds that Lady Luck will find us.

I’m not saying we should count on luck as a part of our success in accomplishing your goals, but we must recognize her presence. And yes, she is female.

When you hear about stories of how an actor was “discovered” on a particular audition and went on to play the role that skyrocketed their career, don’t overlook the hundreds of other countless auditions they went on and didn’t get the part. Or the dozens of acting classes, workshops and plays down in the musty basements and back alley’s of 25-seat theatre’s they participated in without pay and most-likely without much of an audience.

When you put your head down, show up, fall in love with the process of what you’re doing and get lost in time, that’s when she will align the stars in your favor. But only after you’ve made an honest commitment to the work itself.

After all, she’s a wise one.

You certainly don’t have to be a musician in order to appreciate music. No more than you need to be an athlete to appreciate a good football or basketball game.

Music has a way of calming my soul and grounding me in order to begin again. Or invigorate and inspire me.

For me, the simpler the better. Listening to an instrumental of an acoustic guitar in the wee hours of the morning while at my desk and writing these blogs can be exactly what I need to get the day started.

It can put me into a wonderful flow state and/or calm my anxious mind as I get some tasks done and slip into the work day.

Who knows, you just might find the urge to pick up an instrument and play a bit.

As I move forward in age, I tend to be a bit more reserved with whom I share my time. Someone once said, “the most valuable thing you can give to a person is your attention/time.”

Maybe this is why I’ve become more reluctant to reach out to new horizons. The flip side to that coin is how wonderful it is when you find a person or group of people who you can trust, share intimate fears, hopes and dreams and who inspire you to be the best you can be.

This group of trusted comrades can be a real game-changer for us to get out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Don’t underestimate the power of healthy people who care. It may take some time, some risk and a bit of patience, but if you follow your instincts and take it slow, your payoffs can be ten-fold.

There’s a reality show called “Naked and Afraid.” The premise of the show is to pair two complete strangers with each other – usually a man and a woman – in the middle of nowhere without food, clothing and shelter to see how long they can survive until they call it quits.

More times than not, the big burly man that has 45 plus pounds on the slender-framed woman taps out first. Why? Because it’s a mental world, not a physical one.

Sure you have to be able to execute tasks of strength in order to extend your days in the bush, but many of these obstacles can be overcome with problem-solving skills and primitive tools. What’s more difficult to overcome is your own mind. Especially, when you give up.

The men talk themselves out of the game before giving themselves a fair chance to stay put and overcome the challenges the couple face.

Such is life. Don’t talk yourself out of it because the task/problem/challenge seems too daunting. Just take one piece at a time. You never know, everything may shift in the next minute.

But, you will never find out if you don’t hang in there.

The fixed flame of creativity within has no intention of burning out.

The purposeful disregard of it’s presence is a repeated offense.

The question becomes: At what cost?