The Three Pillars of Success: Luck, Hard Work, and Opportunity (2024)

The Three Pillars of Success: Luck, Hard Work, and Opportunity (1)

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Brendan N. The Three Pillars of Success: Luck, Hard Work, and Opportunity (2)

Brendan N.

Marketing Professional, excellent with Digital, Communications and Technology

Published May 25, 2023

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In the pursuit of success, we often come across individuals who seem to effortlessly rise to the top, leaving us in awe of their achievements. We wonder what sets them apart from the rest of us and what factors contribute to their remarkable success. While there are numerous factors that play a role, three main elements consistently emerge: luck/grace, hardwork/effort, and opportunity/time. In this post, I will delve into these three pillars of success and explore how they have shaped the journeys of renowned artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.

Luck/Grace:

Luck, often considered as a stroke of fortune or a twist of fate, can play a significant role in an individual's success. It manifests as unexpected opportunities, chance encounters, or unanticipated events that can propel someone to greater heights. Wizkid, a Nigerian music sensation, is a prime example of how luck and grace can pave the way to success. His rise to stardom came when he caught the attention of a music executive who recognised his talent and signed him to a record deal. This stroke of luck provided him with a platform to showcase his abilities to a wider audience. However, it is important to note that luck alone cannot sustain success. Talent, hard work, and perseverance are essential to maintain and build upon the initial stroke of luck.

Hardwork/Effort:

While luck can create opportunities, it is hard work and unwavering effort that transforms opportunities into tangible success. Davido, another prominent Nigerian artist, exemplifies the power of hard work and determination. Despite being born into a wealthy family, he chose to forge his own path in the music industry. Davido's relentless work ethic, coupled with his passion for music, led him to write, produce, and promote his own songs. He tirelessly honed his craft, performing at countless shows and consistently releasing music, earning him a loyal fanbase and numerous accolades. Davido's story demonstrates that success is not solely dependent on luck, but on the dedication and effort put into pursuing one's passion.

Opportunity/Time:

Opportunity, coupled with the element of time, plays a crucial role in achieving success. It is the intersection where preparation meets the right moment, enabling individuals to seize opportunities and make the most of them. Burna Boy, a Nigerian artist known for his unique blend of afrobeat and reggae, embodies the fusion of opportunity and hard work. He tirelessly worked on his music, collaborating with other artists and refining his sound over the course of a decade. The turning point in Burna Boy's career came when he was nominated for a Grammy Award. This recognition opened doors to international collaborations and global platforms, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the music industry. Burna Boy's journey showcases the significance of time, persistence, and the ability to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

Successful people often possess two of these elements, but the abundantly successful ones are blessed with all three. It is the alignment of luck/grace, hard work/effort, and opportunity/time that propels individuals to exceptional heights. The stories of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy highlight the intricate interplay of these factors in their rise to stardom.

While it is true that these elements play a significant role in success, it is important to acknowledge that they are not entirely within our control. We cannot control luck, nor can we predict the opportunities that will come our way. However, what we can control is our dedication, perseverance, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement. By consistently honing our skills, staying prepared, and maintaining a positive mindset, we increase our chances of capitalizing on the opportunities that do arise.

Postscript:Thank you for taking the time to read. If you enjoyed my personal reflection and would like to read more, I share my thoughts on a variety of topics on my blog. I believe that personal reflection is important for growth and self-awareness, and I hope that my blog can inspire you to reflect on your own life.

Thank you again for your support!

Omotayo Adebagbo

Financial Data Analyst | Business Banking | Fintech Enthusiast

1y

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Well written and delivered Brendan Chukwuma N., I was actually looking out for where you will place Davido, but trust me well placed. I see how you played with the "pillars"; all working together, no matter how each of them could be pronounced in someone's journey. When preparation meets opportunity, luck shines and the result which is a success is highly inevitable.

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Adeolu Adegunloye

Business Analyst | Business Development | Project Management | Business Intelligence & Optimisation

1y

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Great write up, but I think Davido suites opportunity more while Burna with hardwork. Just my opinion 🙂

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Enoch Adeyemi

My Purpose Is To Make Our World Better 🌿

1y

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Another good write up and solid points Brendan Chukwuma 👌🏾

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The Three Pillars of Success: Luck, Hard Work, and Opportunity (2024)

FAQs

What are the three pillars of success? ›

Three Pillars of Success: Attention to Detail, Sense of Urgency and Follow up & Follow-through | by Paul Segreto | Medium.

Which is more important to success, luck or hard work? ›

If you put it down in numbers, hard work would account for about 70% of success while luck accounts for the other 30%.

What is the combination of luck and hard work? ›

Hard work creates the conditions for luck to flourish, and luck, in turn, rewards those who have prepared themselves through diligent effort. Success often arises from a combination of both factors, with hard work increasing the probability of encountering fortunate circ*mstances.

What is the cost of success, luck or hard work? ›

Surprisingly, many successful people do consider themselves lucky, but that luck is driven by their actions and their self-development. Hard work starts with inspiration, which often comes in the form of luck. In other words, hard work and luck are two sides of the same coin!

What are the 3 principles of success? ›

Irrespective of what “Success” means to each, what has been clearly understood that there are three key elements of success. They are - Clarity of Purpose, Growth Mindset, and Courage. Without purpose, it is hard to have a clear direction. It is important to know what you want and what you are striving for.

What is the 3 pillar method? ›

The 3-pillar model is an organizational innovation model consisting of 3 Innovation Pillars, which – when combined – provide the framework for self-sustained innovation. Each of the program's activities will contain elements from all three pillars, although one of the pillars will typically be dominant at a given time.

What is the quote about luck and hard work? ›

"The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work." —Harry Golden. "A man can make what he wants of himself if he truly believes that he must be ready for hard work and many heartbreaks."

Which is more important for success opportunity or hard work? ›

In conclusion, hard work is the key to success. Talents are important, but they are not enough on their own. It is our decision and privilege to develop our talents through hard work and dedication.

How is hard work the key to success? ›

Hard Work is the Key to Success Overview

It refers to the dedication, effort, and perseverance put into achieving a goal or desired outcome. The notion that hard work leads to success is rooted in the belief that consistent and determined effort can overcome obstacles, improve skills, and create opportunities.

Is luck a key to success? ›

While luck can undoubtedly play a significant role in achieving success, it is important to acknowledge that hard work and talent are also necessary to make the most of the opportunities that come our way.

Does luck influence success? ›

Luck is a bigger part of success than you think — but it can only take you so far. Luck is more important to career success than most people think. But talent and effort matter, too. The harder and smarter you work, the luckier you get.

Which is more important, hard work or luck? ›

So it can be concluded that luck and hard work are not opposites; rather, they are complementary to each other. So you should always work hard no matter how much your parents or astrologers tell you how lucky you are; always remember that without hard work, your luck will never be fruitful enough.

Is success guaranteed with hard work? ›

The underlying assumption was that if you worked hard enough for long enough, you would succeed. However, this advice misses one big point: Most people fail not because of a lack of effort but because their effort was misdirected or misaligned with their interests. Don't get me wrong. Hard work matters for success.

How do people become successful in life? ›

Think positively. It is important to keep a positive mindset and believe that you can achieve your goals. Positive thinking keeps your expectations high and reminds you of what is possible. Challenges may come, but remember that they are temporary and continue to believe you can succeed.

SUCCESS: Luck or Hard Work? - ActionCOACHActionCOACHhttps://www.actioncoach.com ›

As most celebrate St. Patrick's Day today, and the word luck gets thrown around, it is interesting to ask yourself a question. Is success a product of luck,...
Spoiler: Luck has nothing to do with it. We hear it all the time — “today's your lucky day!” But what if every day could be your lucky day? Even the most no...
Luck is when opportunity meets preparation, and hard work is the result of dedication and discipline. Success is not a random event but a deliberate process tha...

What are the 3 pillars of planning for success? ›

3 Pillars of Success
  • Financial Due Diligence. Financial due diligence is an important aspect for every business. ...
  • Employee Engagement. ...
  • Governance & Risk Mitigation.

What are the three C's of success? ›

When it comes to the world of business (or frankly, any avenue of life), the holy trinity of success is spelled out with three awe-inspiring C's: Competence, Confidence, and Consistency.

What are the three keys of success? ›

Here are the three key things that are necessary steps to succeed.
  • Setting clear goals: One of the most important keys to success is setting clear and specific goals. ...
  • Consistency and persistence: Success is rarely achieved overnight. ...
  • Positive mindset: Another key to success is having a positive mindset.
Jan 23, 2023

What are the key pillars of success? ›

Like grit and a growth mindset, ambition and motivation go hand in hand. They are vital pillars of success as they play a crucial role in helping us achieve what we want in life. However, it is not uncommon to have a burning desire to achieve something but lack the drive to press on in the face of challenges.

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