On this Friday the 13th many people find themselves expecting bad luck and looking for ways to ward it off. While not everyone believes in this superstition, it is hard to deny that luck seems to exist. Sometimes despite all odds, people pull off the craziest things.
Some people seem to want to depend on luck instead of planning though. While that may work out, it may not. A quote attributed to Roman philosopher Seneca says “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” So in the case of survival, being ready to take advantage of that lucky break may make all the difference.
Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying “I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” This is a good way to remember that by planning well and building your skills, you improve your own luck. In the end it is good to be lucky, but better to be good.