The Chance of Fortuitous Events

Serendipity is defined as the occurrence of events by chance in a fortunate or beneficial manner.

Consider Matthew McConaughey’s chance meeting with a director at a bar or how Joe Gebbia's college friend became his roommate, ultimately leading to the creation of Airbnb. Such success stories often hinge on being in the right place at the right moment.

While luck is not entirely within our control, there are strategies to enhance our chances of experiencing it. Cultivating confidence, honing skills, and actively sharing your work can significantly boost your likelihood of encountering fortuitous opportunities.

Embracing uncertainty and the unknown is crucial. Although having a plan is advantageous, be open to deviations. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances are preparing you for even greater possibilities.

Successful individuals aren't merely idle, binge-watching shows; they've put in significant effort to reach their current status. If luck plays a part in their achievements, it’s simply a complement to their hard work.

Reflecting on my own experience, there was a period when my articles on Medium received minimal attention. The thrill I felt after hitting eight views was almost comical in retrospect. Then, unexpectedly, one of my pieces gained traction, reaching 1,000 views in just two days. Soon after, another article was featured by Medium, also crossing the thousand-view mark.

Was there a grand strategy behind this? Absolutely not. I merely focused on writing and let the audience decide its fate, which they did after months of effort that felt largely unrewarded.

Money Doesn’t Equate to True Happiness

Before you get defensive, let me clarify: 1) I acknowledge that having money is certainly better than not having it, and 2) While money can enhance happiness, it doesn’t guarantee it.

From listening to guests ranging from millionaires to billionaires, I learned that money can only provide fleeting happiness up to a certain point. When the "hedonic treadmill" kicks in, one becomes desensitized to wealth.

This realization prompted me to reassess my career path. Is it worth tirelessly pursuing something I despise for a few extra dollars? Is sacrificing relationships and neglecting other life aspects a worthy trade-off?

When basic needs aren't met, such considerations may seem trivial, but if you have those essentials, take the time to seek work that fulfills you intellectually, spiritually, or creatively.

Finding a job that satisfies all three areas can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. For me, writing checks all those boxes. It challenges my intellect, provides me with a sense of purpose, and allows for creative expression.

I think I’ll wrap it up here. If you've made it this far, kudos to you for investing time in creating the life you desire.

Signing off,

Smetzel.

This video, "How I Built The Tim Ferriss Show to 700+ Million Downloads (Featuring Chris Hutchins)," explores the strategies behind the phenomenal success of Tim's podcast.

In "Tim Ferriss: How to Learn Better & Create Your Best Future | Huberman Lab Podcast," Tim discusses effective learning methods and pathways to achieve a fulfilling future.