Your Success is NOT Luck
The Truth About Achievement and Focus
The idea that success is purely a result of luck is ludicrous. Everywhere you look, there are millions of people striving toward something—dreams, goals, desires—but many never achieve what they set out to do. And this isn’t because they’re less capable or not working hard enough. It’s because, too often, they don’t focus their energy in the right areas.
Success, whether in business or personal life, is a product of deliberate effort, dedication, and resilience—not chance.
Take relationships, for example. When a relationship falls apart, it’s not because only lucky people have successful relationships. Successful relationships happen when both parties are willing to invest time, energy, and understanding. If one partner isn’t committed to making it work, how could anyone expect that relationship to be fulfilling or last? Success works the same way. If you’re not willing to put in the work, don’t expect success to just appear at your doorstep.
I hear it all the time from entrepreneurs: “I’m trying everything, but nothing works.” Here’s the thing: most people gravitate toward what’s comfortable, not what’s necessary. They want to do what feels easy rather than what the project demands. As a business consultant, I often point out areas where clients can improve, but many see my feedback as criticism. When they offer excuses, I remind them that excuses won’t get them anywhere. Progress comes from accepting where you can do better and making the necessary adjustments.
I once saw a meme that perfectly illustrates the reality of success. The image shows the tip of an iceberg—the part that’s visible to the world. But beneath the surface lies the mass of the iceberg, representing all the struggles that go unnoticed: the late nights, the failures, the missed opportunities, the rejections, the bad reviews, and the sacrifices made. That’s the real cost of success. Most people don’t achieve their goals not because they aren’t lucky, but because they’re not willing to make the investment required to win.
One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is thinking that one success means they’ve made it. But entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no final finish line. Your “win” comes when you leave behind a lasting legacy—one that reflects who you truly were. And it’s not about wealth. Trust me, nobody cares about the designer shoes you wore or how much money you amassed when you die. What people will remember is the kind of person you were: were you compassionate, loving, intelligent, generous? Were you a good parent, sibling, or friend? Did you contribute to the community? Did you leave your mark on the world in a way that mattered?
The true definition of success is achieving the aim or purpose you set for yourself. If you’ve accomplished your goal, you’ve been successful. Unfortunately, many people—including myself at times—fall into the trap of looking at external markers of success like flashy cars, expensive watches, or a beautiful home. Social media and magazines have conditioned us to believe that these are the signs of success. But are they?
Are you the person you always wanted to be? Are you living up to the standards you’ve set for yourself? Are you focusing on what truly matters, or are you getting lost in the illusion of what success “should” look like? Success isn’t about keeping up with societal expectations. It’s about aligning your actions with your true values, your purpose, and your long-term goals.
Remember: your success is not dictated by luck. It’s determined by how much effort, focus, and sacrifice you’re willing to invest. Focus your energy where it counts, be committed to your journey, and above all, stay true to who you are and what you want to achieve. The rest will follow.
