The Lifecycle of Luck

Posted in inspirationTagged , , , ,

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison

This past Friday my nine-year-old daughter, Miss O, was asked to fill in for the lead role of Michal in a musical production. The girl who was playing the role came down with a fever and there were just 24 hours before the show. The director texted me, “Is Miss O home and can I talk to her?” Yes and yes.

It’s so much easier for me to see patterns in other’s lives than my own. What unfolded in this opportunity showed me three things about the lifecycle of luck.

1. Intent

Tryouts for this production were four months ago. Along with about a dozen others, Miss O read for the part of King Saul’s daughter, Michal, in this musical about David and Goliath. The cast is made up of 4th-7th graders with an emphasis on 7th graders getting lead roles since it’s their last year to participate. Miss O knew that as a 4th grader she was unlikely to get the role but tried for it anyway.

2. Persistence

When the roles were handed out, she didn’t get picked for Michal and instead was assigned about 4-5 lines in addition to being part of the ensemble. She was really disappointed.

But after a day or two, she bounced back and felt okay about it. Then she was all in. She was at every practice for the last four months except one when we were out of town. She learned her lines, practiced the choreography, and completed all the assignments. She was excited for and dedicated to the roles she had.

3. Willingness

When the call came on Friday, I watched Miss O’s face as the director asked if she’d play the lead role of Michal. She answered without hesitation that she would do it. Then immediately grabbed the song book and started memorizing the lines.

Watching this unfold, I marveled at her willingness to say “yes” even though it meant a lot of work. She had the aptitude and the attitude to take this on. Memorizing is pretty easy for her and she likes to perform.

It was great luck that the director thought to ask her.  But stepping back, I think she worked hard at her small role and I think that’s why she was offered the big role.

Recently, I was talking with corporation communication specialist, Brian Hannon on the How To Share podcast about how to share professional communications (episode drops on Wednesday, 5/21). We agreed that opportunities don’t pop up when we are sitting on the sidelines but instead show up when we’re in the game. As Madeleine L’Engle said, “Inspiration usually comes during work, rather than before it.”

But we have to aim high. Then not quit when we don’t get what we want but instead work hard at the parts we’re offered. Finally, we have to say “yes” when the big break comes, even though it’s “dressed in overalls and looks like work” as Thomas Edison said.

Miss O did a fantastic job in the role of Michal on Saturday night. She started to get nervous a couple hours before show time but understood that it was just because she cared. Then she settled back into the work she’d done and rocked it…which seems like appropriate acclaim for a musical about David and Goliath.

Here’s to picking up the phone when opportunity calls!

(featured photo is mine- Miss O playing Michal)

You can find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynneleon/ and Instagram @wynneleon

I host the How to Share podcast, a podcast about how to share anything – to the appropriate audience, with the right permissions, at the most opportune time.

I also co-host the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, an author, creator and storytelling podcast with the amazing Vicki Atkinson.

My other projects include work as a CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer), speaking about collaboration and AI through the Chicago Writer’s Association, and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.

73 thoughts on “The Lifecycle of Luck”

  1. That is one of my favourite quotes and my philosophy of life. I am so proud of Miss O! You are darn right the director thought of her for the part as her hard work and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed. She will do well in life. 💖💖

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m not surprised that it matches your philosophy, Darlene. It’s amazing what happens when you show up and do the work. So fun!! Thanks for your lovely comment!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Nature or nurture? Miss O didn’t have your genes to play the scenes, but definitely has her mother’s Intent, Willingness and Persistence. Kudos to you both!

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Way to go, Miss O! You make an excellent point about her work ethic with her small role opening the door to this opportunity. When my girls were teenagers, they both had part-time jobs. Unlike many of the other teenagers they worked with, they showed up, worked hard and took their jobs seriously. That work ethic has stayed with them now as young adults.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Oh….Miss O. And Wynne…what a beautiful post weaving in the backstory of Miss O’s openness – being ready ‘for the call’ – literally. I think this is a moment and a memory that will stick with her throughout her life. Stay in the game, be a positive player, do the work. Good things can and do happen. Hugs, hugs! 🥰

    Liked by 3 people

  7. I love the lesson summary – intent, willingness, persistence… for children or adults… which talk about character and attitude rather than success or achievement. Perhaps we sometimes get things back to front, thinking we can get the latter without the former. Thanks Wynne.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. What an astute comment, Malcolm. You’re right – sometimes we do get things back to front! Character and attitude make a difference. Thanks for this great comment!

      Liked by 2 people

  8. Yay! Way to go and congratulations Miss O!! And as a fourth grader too! 😎 Everything you said and quoted about opportunity is so true, especially the part about it being disguised as work.

    Liked by 3 people

  10. ‘It’s so much easier for me to see patterns in other’s lives than my own.’ – this! yes.

    what an example miss o is to us all. so glad it all played out as it did, and I absolutely know this to be true, but only learned over time and experience. tell miss o thanks for reminding me.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. What a beautiful moment and life lesson for Miss O. I love that she didn’t let disappointment get in the way of nurturing the smaller role that she got nor not seizing the moment when it was presented to her. She looks so much bigger and older than her 9 years in the photo. Congrats to her. You must be so proud!

    PS. Look forward to your and Brian’s chat!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Funny that you say that about looking 9. I agree — something about stepping up made her seem more mature! Thank you for the lovely comment – you said it perfectly! Hope you had a great long weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Go Miss O. This is such a great story of resilience and grit and making your own luck! What an inspirational story. I’m so glad that she was “rewarded” for her hard work. And it was fun chatting with Wynne … but I still think Miss O is the better story. You should just talk to her each week. Lots of things for us to”adults” to learn. Ha ha. 😎😎😎😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are so right that we have so much to learn from our kids, don’t we? And I love our chat too – I learned a ton from you! Making your own luck — you said it perfectly!!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. As a fellow parent, this story warms my heart. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching your kids show confidence and courage. I got there eventually as an adult, but I’ve told my son many times that he inspired me to not be afraid.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. What a fantastic story of hard work and perseverance. Miss O is quite the amazing lady. I remember reading about her disappointment. And look how things turned out. Timing is everything. I always say, We get to choose the goal, but we don’t get to choose the timing. Her enthusiasm for her smaller role sent signs to her teacher and the universe. What a great experience for her!
    And would you believe I used to have that quote hanging in my kitchen years ago. Brings back memories of my own little ones.
    Thanks for sharing this lovely story Wynne. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Alegria – I love what you say, “We get to choose the goal, but we don’t get to choose the timing. ” Yes!! That’s it in a nutshell. Love that you had that quote in your kitchen. That’s perfect! Thanks for the great comment, my dear friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Hahahahaha, you got me with the “rock” reference to David and Goliath!! But seriously, this made me remember an old quote that has stuck with me: Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I’m so glad Miss O “rocked” it, she was absolutely ready! Yay!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Such a sweet story. I’m glad Miss O was up for the challenge, knowing she could do it. I agree that you have to aim high and then give it your all. Not easy necessarily but always a good learning experience.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Congrats to Miss O! What a confidence-boosting situation for her. And I truly love this line you shared: As Madeleine L’Engle said, “Inspiration usually comes during work, rather than before it.” That is really motivational to me.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Congrats to Miss O. I agree that her can-do attitude during rehearsals is probably what caught the director’s eye. Good for her for being a team player and for stepping up when called up. What a great experience.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Yay, good for Miss O! Slayed it! (Another D&G pun!) This is certainly a great analogy and inspiration for us!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Pingback: Photos of the Week: May 24 – Surprised By Joy

  32. This reminds me of an Oprah, quote “I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.”

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.