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Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, believes in the power of creating your own luck. While it might seem like luck is something that just happens to you, Schmidt argues that you can actually make it happen through smart decisions and bold moves.
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The Power of Choice
Schmidt shares the story of his close friend, Eric Lander, who took a leap of faith that changed his life. Lander was teaching at a business school but wanted to do something different, something impactful. He decided to move to Boston, not because he had a clear plan, but because he knew that Boston was a hub of intellectual activity in the fields he was interested in. By positioning himself in the right place, he increased his chances of stumbling upon the right opportunity.
Serendipity Meets Preparedness
When Lander arrived in Boston, he knew nothing about genetics. But by being in the right environment and being open to new experiences, he met a brilliant geneticist who became his mentor. This chance meeting set Lander on a path to becoming one of the most renowned geneticists in the country. But it wasn’t just luck—it was the result of Lander’s decision to put himself in a place where these opportunities could happen.
Taking the Leap
The key takeaway from Schmidt's story is that you can’t wait around for luck to find you. You have to put yourself in situations where good things can happen. Lander’s decision to move to Boston was a calculated risk. He didn’t know what would come of it, but he knew that staying where he was would limit his opportunities. By taking that leap, he created the conditions for his success.
Making Your Own Luck
Schmidt’s advice is simple but powerful: if you want to make your own luck, you have to be willing to take risks and make bold moves. It’s about positioning yourself in the right place, at the right time, and being open to new opportunities—even if they come in unexpected forms. You might not always know where a decision will lead, but by taking action and putting yourself in the mix, you increase your chances of success.
The Lesson
Life often rewards those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and take risks. Eric Schmidt’s story of Eric Lander shows that luck isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time—it’s about making decisions that put you in those situations in the first place. So, if you’re waiting for luck to come your way, remember that you have the power to create it. Take that leap, make that move, and see where it takes you.
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