Get Lucky the Smart Way

Crafting Conditions for Serendipity That Lead to Big Wins

Ever marvel at how some people seem to be in the right place at the right time, again and again? While it’s tempting to call it luck, research shows that serendipity often isn’t random—it’s a skill. The Harvard Business Review calls serendipity “smart luck,” where we create opportunities by cultivating an open mind, forming intentional habits, and taking action when chance presents itself. Dr. Christian Busch, author of The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck, argues that fostering serendipity involves being intentional about spotting connections, reframing "mistakes" as opportunities, and having the courage to follow through.

Serendipity isn’t just about luck—it’s about setting up your life to attract meaningful opportunities and knowing how to make the most of them. Whether it’s sparking an insightful conversation with a stranger, discovering a breakthrough idea in an unrelated task, or turning a setback into a stepping stone, building serendipity is a skill anyone can develop. The good news? It doesn’t require monumental shifts—small, intentional actions can change the course of your personal and professional journey. Today, we’ll explore how to engineer these “lucky breaks” and use them to create meaningful connections, boost creativity, and drive success.

So here’s 5 tips for creating serendipity and making the most of it.

1. Be Present and Curious

Serendipity thrives when we’re genuinely engaged with our surroundings and the people in them. Curiosity fuels meaningful interactions and opens doors to unexpected opportunities. By staying present, you’re more likely to notice connections and ideas that others might overlook.
Start small by committing to at least one conversation a day where you ask thoughtful, open-ended questions. Practice active listening—focus entirely on what the other person is saying without formulating your response. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity by exploring topics or places outside your comfort zone regularly.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
How often do I engage deeply with the people or tasks around me?
What’s one question I can ask today that might lead to an interesting connection?
How can I challenge myself to be more curious this week?

2. Expand Your Circles Intentionally

The more diverse your network, the more diverse the opportunities that arise. Meeting people from different industries, cultures, or perspectives creates intersections where innovative ideas and collaborations can happen.
Attend one new event or join an online group outside your usual circles each month. When meeting new people, look for shared interests rather than focusing only on professional connections. Keep track of your network and make an effort to reconnect with one or two people you haven’t spoken to recently.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
When was the last time I stepped outside my comfort zone to meet someone new?
Who in my network could I reconnect with today?
How can I make introductions feel less transactional and more meaningful?

3. Reframe “Mistakes” as Opportunities

What looks like a setback can often lead to unexpected growth or discovery. By reframing mistakes as opportunities to learn or pivot, you keep the door open for serendipity to do its work.
After a perceived mistake, write down three possible positive outcomes or lessons it could offer. Practice self-compassion—remind yourself that failure is part of growth. Talk with a trusted friend or mentor to explore how this “mistake” could actually lead to a new direction.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
What’s one mistake I’ve made recently that might hold a hidden lesson?
How can I turn setbacks into stepping stones?
Who in my network might offer a new perspective on this situation?

4. Follow the Breadcrumbs

Serendipity often starts small—a chance encounter, a fleeting idea, or a sudden realization. Following these leads with intention can transform minor moments into major opportunities.
When an idea sparks, act on it immediately—even if it’s just jotting it down or taking the first small step. Dedicate time each week to review these breadcrumbs and decide which are worth pursuing. Treat even seemingly unrelated opportunities with curiosity—they might connect in unexpected ways.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
What’s one small idea or opportunity I’ve ignored recently?
How can I take the first step toward exploring a potential lead today?
How can I better track and organize the “breadcrumbs” in my life?

5. Create Space for Serendipity

A jam-packed schedule leaves little room for chance encounters or creative breakthroughs. Allowing time for reflection, spontaneity, or unplanned activities creates fertile ground for serendipity to thrive.
Block out “white space” in your calendar—time with no agenda—to explore, reflect, or simply be. Say yes to at least one spontaneous opportunity each month, whether it’s a last-minute lunch or an unexpected project. Use tools like mindfulness or journaling to make space for new insights to emerge.

Questions to Ask Yourself:
When was the last time I allowed myself to be spontaneous?
How can I create more flexibility in my schedule?
What habits might be crowding out opportunities for discovery?

Serendipity isn’t simply about being lucky—it’s about preparing ourselves to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary. When we step into the world with open eyes, curiosity, and a willingness to connect, we invite opportunities to find us. Every chance meeting, misstep, or unexpected detour holds the potential to spark something new. The beauty lies in our ability to lean into these moments with confidence and turn them into something meaningful. By cultivating habits that prioritize presence, exploration, and action, we make room for life to surprise us in the best possible ways.

As we set the pace for new adventures, let’s remember that each step we take is part of a bigger, more vibrant journey. This is your moment to embrace the unknown and trust in the process of discovery. The most rewarding experiences often begin as small sparks, waiting for us to fan the flame. So, take that leap, reach out to someone new, and follow the breadcrumbs wherever they lead. A world of possibilities is waiting—ready to inspire, challenge, and shape your next big story. Let’s make it unforgettable!

💡 Your journey is at the heart of everything we do. Every story, every tip, every insight we share is rooted in our desire to see you succeed and grow. Thank you for letting us contribute to the amazing path you’re creating, one step at a time.

If you're thinking of revitalizing or firing up your personal brand, book a session with us. Aspiring creators, marketing agencies, authors, high-growth brands, organizations, and executives at Fortune 500 companies trust us to help them attain their goals, and it would be our pleasure to do the same for you. 💪🏼 If you've received this from a friend, subscribe! It’s free!

Your hosts at theDiversityPost, Raffa & Alicia.

Sending a warm welcome to the 113+ entrepreneurs who have joined since last week alone! Learn more about the Diversity Post newsletter and our philosophy here.