People often talk about “luck” as though it’s something that just happens to you. But the truth is, luck is often a result of seeing an opportunity, grabbing it, and making the most of it. It’s not about waiting for something to fall into your lap—it’s about actively creating your own luck. I’ve learned this lesson time and time again, whether in my career as a broadcast journalist, in business, or in property investment.
Let me share a personal story about how I made my own luck and how you can apply the same principles in your life, business, or property journey.
My Story: How I Made My Own Luck in Journalism
When I was training to be a broadcast journalist, I used the summer holidays to gain experience at ITV Westcountry. I started out with basic tasks like making tea, which, as you can imagine, wasn’t the exciting experience I had hoped for. In fact, it was pretty dull—I wanted to be part of the action, but I was stuck on the sidelines. I spent a lot of time just watching the newsroom tick along, waiting for my chance to contribute.
Then one day, a major national story broke—some sailors were being released, and the newsroom suddenly became a hive of activity. I knew immediately that this was the kind of moment I had been waiting for. Covering a big, breaking news story was where the action was, and I was determined to get involved.
The main anchor was set to head down to the scene to host the live segment, and I knew that was the place to be. The newsroom was buzzing, and as everyone scurried around, I started thinking about how I could get in on the action. Nobody had even noticed me at that point, but I saw my opening.
I overheard them discussing the anchor’s preparations, and I decided that I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by. The anchor was rushing down the corridor to head out, so I used a little strategy. The newsroom had a few hallways, and I saw my chance to “bump” into him. I used the mirror at the junction of the corridor to time it just right. I didn’t make it obvious—I wanted it to feel natural, like a coincidence.
When I “accidentally” bumped into him, I asked, “Are you going to the live location?” He nodded, and I quickly followed up with, “I’d love to come and help—can I?” To my surprise, he said yes. Just like that, I had turned an ordinary day into an incredible learning opportunity.
I jumped into his car, and for over an hour, I had one-on-one time with the main anchor—the very job I wanted one day. I didn’t waste a second. I asked him questions, learned about the job, and built a relationship. That day, I watched a live broadcast from the sidelines, and I was hooked. But more importantly, I learned that you can’t wait for opportunities to come to you—you have to create them. I made that opportunity happen, and it taught me a powerful lesson about taking control of my own career.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca
The Lessons: How to Create Your Own Luck
- Actively Look for Opportunities
Opportunities don’t always come knocking on your door. You have to keep your eyes open and be ready to seize them when they appear. Whether in business, property investment, or life, you need to be constantly aware of where opportunities might lie. - Be Strategic
In my story, I didn’t just sit back and wait to be noticed—I planned how to “bump into” the main anchor and get involved. The same is true in business and property investment. You have to strategically place yourself where the opportunities are. Whether that’s through networking, education, or just showing up, being proactive is key. - Seize the Moment and Use Your Time Well
Once you get the opportunity, make sure you’re ready to make the most of it. During that car ride, I could have just sat quietly. Instead, I used the time to learn as much as I could. When opportunities come your way, don’t waste them—use them to push yourself forward.
“Luck is like a bus: if you miss one, another will come along. But hard work is jumping on and making the most of the ride.”
The Same Applies to Property Investment (and Business)
The concept of making your own luck applies just as much to property investment as it does to anything else. In property, you can’t wait for the perfect opportunity to fall into your lap—you have to actively seek out property opportunities, whether that’s through networking, research, or learning new strategies.
For example, many property investors I know started by attending events, learning from others, and putting themselves in the right position to spot an opportunity. Just like I did in the newsroom, they made opportunities happen by being proactive.
The same is true in business. Opportunities to grow, partner, or innovate don’t usually just come to you—you have to create them. When you do see an opportunity, take it, and make the most of it. It could be the one decision that transforms your career or business.
Richard Branson: A Story of Seizing Opportunities
Another great example of making your own luck is Richard Branson. Before he became the billionaire entrepreneur we know today, Branson was someone who consistently created opportunities for himself. One of the best-known stories from his early career is how he started Virgin Airlines.
Branson was at an airport trying to catch a flight to the Virgin Islands, but his flight was cancelled. Most people would have accepted this as an inconvenience, but Branson saw it as an opportunity. He quickly chartered a private plane, wrote “Virgin Airlines” on a blackboard, and sold tickets to the stranded passengers to cover the cost of the charter.
That quick thinking and resourcefulness led to the creation of what would become Virgin Airlines. Branson didn’t wait for an opportunity to present itself—he created his own luck and turned a cancelled flight into the start of a global airline.
“Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.” — Richard Branson
Be Interested, Not Interesting
A big part of making your own luck is being interested in others, rather than trying to be interesting yourself. Let me share another personal experience. Recently, I went on a juice retreat where everyone was in exercise clothes or swimming costumes, so you had no idea who you were talking to (it’s one of the things I love about the retreat!). Whilst I was there I got chatting to an interesting lady in the swimming pool. I didn’t know at first that she was a barrister, but I took the time to get to know her as a person.
It wasn’t until later that I realised she was a barrister, and I had a legal question I wanted to brainstorm. Because I’d taken the time to build rapport with her, we had a natural conversation, and I was able to ask for her input. The lesson? Build genuine connections. Don’t try to impress people—be interested in them, and opportunities will naturally follow.
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Advice: How to Start Making Your Own Luck
Here’s some practical advice to help you start making your own luck:
- Show Up – Be in the right place at the right time, whether it’s a networking event, a property viewing, or a meeting. You can’t seize opportunities if you’re not there to see them.
- Be Prepared – Luck is about being ready when the opportunity comes. Do your research, hone your skills, and be prepared to act when something crosses your path.
- Build Real Relationships – Focus on building rapport with others. Like my experience at the juice retreat, you never know where a connection might lead. Be interested in others, and opportunities will follow.
- Take Action – Don’t hesitate. When an opportunity presents itself, jump on it. Like that car ride with the main anchor, make sure you’re using the opportunity to its fullest.
Luck Favors the Prepared
At the end of the day, luck isn’t just about chance—it’s about preparation, strategy, and action. You can’t sit back and wait for the perfect opportunity. Instead, you need to actively look for openings, seize them, and make the most of every chance you get.
Whether in property investment, business, or life in general, you have the power to create your own luck. Surround yourself with the right people, be proactive, be strategic, and when the moment comes, take it. Often, one opportunity leads to another, and being in the right place is key.
That’s why I’ve built a community for people like you—people who want to take control, find opportunities, and make things happen. Joining my community puts you in the right place, surrounded by like-minded individuals who can open doors, share insights, and support you on your journey. When you’re part of a network like this, one connection can lead to many more, and being in the right place can help you make your own luck.
Kelly Lemon
