Do you believe in luck? If so, hopefully you also understand that luck isn’t just something that happens to you — it’s also the ability to make the most of opportunities. Some of the “luckiest” people you know are actually just extremely gifted at moving quickly when a chance presents itself.
The good news is that this means that you — yes, you! — can learn to be a “lucky” person. This week’s roundup looks at the lucky habits of successful leaders, plus tips on becoming a better listener and books that every new grad should read.
Lolly Daskal at Inc: How to Get Lucky and Stay Lucky
“Most people will tell you luck is about being at the right place with the right people at the right time — but there’s a lot more than that to luck,” Daskal writes. “The dictionary describes luck as events that influence your life but are not of your making. If we believe we are in perfect control our lives, we are kidding ourselves. Even the most careful planning runs into the unexpected. That’s inevitable. How we allow that unplanned change to play out is a huge component in how lucky we are.”
So how can you set yourself up to use that unplanned change well? Stick your neck out, don’t push it … and use these other 11 tricks.
Anita Bruzzese at On the Job: 5 Ways to Become a Better Listener
“I know that we all want to be good listeners, but it can be difficult with so many distractions,” Bruzzese writes. “Still, becoming a good listener is one of those skills you can never work on enough and one that will always pay off for you in your private life and in your career.”
Want to become a better listener? Her tips include making it a priority and not interrupting. Find out what else you can do to improve your listening skills, here.
Kayla Buell at The Savvy Intern: Inspirational Books Every New Graduate Should Read
Linchpin, by Seth Godin. Thrive, by Arianna Huffington. Life After College, by Jenny Blake. These books, which Buell says she wishes she’d read a lot sooner — like, before graduation — can help new or future grads get themselves set up for success.
Tell Us What You Think
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