Pondering: You’re so Lucky!

You're so lucky! How often do we hear that phrase from friends, family and colleagues?

Is it lucky that you had a great review? No, you worked hard for a year to earn that.

Are you lucky because have lots of friends? No, you work to maintain these relationships. I do sometimes say I am lucky to have good friends or followers but that is more of a self-deprecating comment. I do “feel” lucky but also know that like gardens, friendships need weeding and watering.

 

“Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned.”
Emily Dickinson

Many times when people see good things happening to people they will say that someone is “lucky” but what do you think they really mean? Are they themselves looking for the fast pass at Disney to cut ahead of the line? I feel that this comment can diminish the hard work and effort that someone has put in. Instead of saying you are so lucky, say something like I am so I impressed that you <insert awesome deed> you totally deserve all the accolades.

This post was inspired by my friend Matt Browne who is really good at giving compliments in a sincere and thoughtful manner. It is such a challenge to accept a compliment from people and often we will shrug it off because we are not comfortable in the spotlight and don't want to appear rude or arrogant.

I would like to suggest that we all be more like Matt next time someone achieves something out of the ordinary for them and not say you are lucky BUT wow your hard work paid off. Matt helps me to appreciate my own accomplishment and celebrate it too! But do yourself a favor next time you receive a compliment: accept it.

What do you think about luck? How do you handle it when someone compliments you? How will you handle it next time someone compliments you?

Featured image courtesy of cygnus921 via Creative Commons.
Article by Peg Fitzpatrick

10 Comments

  1. I appreciate the shout Peg, I guess I’ve never thought of it that way so I’m glad you did the post. I too feel “luck” or “lucky” at times but in my opinion there is so much in life that is not luck or lucky, it’s motivation, purpose, and attitude. I’m not lucky that I have a positive outlook on things, it’s taken a lot of hard work and practice to get that way. I’m not lucky that I own two businesses that do well…that’s hard work and building relationships.

    Good stuff! Cheers!

    1. I sometimes “feel” lucky too but really when it comes down to it, it was hard work that got me there. Glad I made you think a little. 🙂

      Thanks for your positive spirit and friendship!!

  2. I think we make our own luck, aside from the occasional win in Atlantic City. : ) Thanks for a thoughtful post! I usually just say THANK YOU when I get a compliment, unless it’s too outrageous, then I just laugh first and THEN say thank you. 

    1. So you are GOOD at taking compliments, awesome! Maybe it is just me then?
      I do agree that we make are own luck and somethings are just truly luck. 

      Thanks for reading, sharing and commenting! 🙂

      1. I would say I wasn’t always good at it! In fact, when I was younger I was BAD at it… but have learned over time from being in the public more with the jewelry, and all of the stuff people say online about it to just grow a little more adept over time. I LOVE reading your posts. 

  3. Luck. Such a strange concept. Is there something supernatural about it, coincidence, fate, or just something that comes from plain ol’ hard work? All of the above, I think, but most of what we call luck comes from creating the opportunities that allow “lucky” things to happen. 

    And you’re right, it is extra nice when people give the work that created those opportunities the credit they deserve — much more meaningful than being complimented for just “dumb luck.”

    1. This is certainly true ”
      most of what we call luck comes from creating the opportunities that allow “lucky” things to happen.” Granted there are somethings that happen due to great timing, coincidence, fate or what have you, I think that we do make our own luck in many instances.

  4. Peg, I always enjoy your Ponderings… Cause me ole brain’s to start churning – a good thing! Thanks for all your Ponderings! Happy St. Patrick’s Day and my the Luck of the Irish be with you!

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