Learn to be Lucky

Follow the three Vs to your pot of gold

Some people seem to have all the luck. They not only avoid the pink-slip parade at work, they receive a promotion with a healthy increase in pay, to boot. Do they have a four-leaf clover hidden in their front pocket? No. These savvy folks have a simple secret. They generate luck by applying the three Vs: vision, valor and vigor.

Vision

Every prosperous person will cite a driving force: a vision. The ultimate dream, a heart’s desire or personal pot of gold can only be achieved once a goal has been established. Wanting to retire by the age of 42, becoming a published author or lecturing around the country commanding a five-figure fee are prime examples.

“People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” ~ Earl Nightingale

Motivated individuals tend to have more than one ambition and each is clearly defined. A mental, and sometimes physical, outline starts them on their journey.

Valor

The next step in realizing a vision requires an act of bravery – to move forward and have the courage to divide that big dream into smaller, manageable actionable work assignments.

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

You can – and should – ask for help with this chunking strategy. Often you will discover one or more subject matter experts – how lucky is that? – who may guide you through seemingly impossible tasks.

Vigor

As you encounter insurmountable obstacles – and you will because that’s the reality of life – remain calm, be brave, and continue to ask for help along the way. True “luck” occurs when you recognize opportunities and take advantage of incoming phone calls and emails, visiting family and friends, and other helpful messengers of luck.

"Successful people keep moving." ~ Conrad Hilton

Celebrate the many minor matters you resolve and each major milestone you achieve. Every victory fosters self-confidence and strengthens your resolve, driving you to complete your original vision.

Consider the Arab proverb: Throw a lucky man into the sea and he will come up with a fish. Is he truly lucky or did he assess his dire situation and act boldly in order to survive being tossed into the ocean?

Luck frequently accompanies the men and women employing the three V’s. Whether it’s an original vision or the sighting of a golden opportunity, have the valor and vigor to pursue the prospect and find your pot of gold.

A tasteful toast to your good fortune:

May your pockets be heavy

And your heart be light

May good luck pursue you

Every morning, noon and night

Michael Varma is a freelance writer, award-winning presenter and professional magician. To learn more, visit www.MichaelVarma.com. Contact Michael Varma, the author of Tasteful Toasts, for permission to reprint this article. Copyright February 2011 Magical Concepts.

Resolutions: Worth Their Weight in GOLD

Four steps to fast-track your goals

Resolutions can be daunting, demanding a never-ending change in habits. That’s too much pressure to start the New Year, whereas goals imply a winner at the end of the game. More importantly, goals can begin any month or day of the week. I’ll dust off the classic fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, and show how our green friend fulfills his dream by going for the GOLD – Goals, Objectives, Logistics and Deadlines – to win the race.

Goals
Being successful takes time. It might happen today, next month, or 365 days from now, but defining your vision is step one.

Write down your ultimate goal. Is it to run your first marathon? Offer a tasteful toast at a wedding? Whether it’s a large task like writing a novel or a small chore like cleaning out the junk drawer – get it down on paper. Setting your project on paper begins the process of making it a reality.

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.
If you can dream it, you can become it.
- William Arthur Ward

Objectives
In the parable, the tortoise dreams of beating the hare in a foot race. An ambitious endeavor? Yes, but listing the objectives and tasks needed to accomplish the ultimate goal brings him closer to the finish line. Our shelled friend’s “to do” list might look like this:

1. Define the distance
2. Train on the track
3. Run the race

Write down the necessary steps to reach your goal. Modify your list as you encounter obstacles (we typically do) and remember what Mom always said, “The journey itself builds character.”

Logistics
When you reach a road block, assess the situation. Look for options and determine if you can go over, around, under or through the barrier. A logistical lifeline is always available. Reach out to an expert or mentor for help.

He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.
- Danish Proverb

Deadlines
Assign a target completion date for each objective. A schedule will emerge and magically propel you down the path toward success. Committing to each deadline will help prevent procrastination.

Had the hare followed through with his original intentions, instead of taking a nap under the oak tree, he’d be showered with champagne in the winner’s circle and not sassing about second place.

There are two mistakes one can make along the road.
Not going all the way and not starting.
- Buddha

Every mile finished in your personal marathon adds momentum, motivating you to “go the distance” – an accomplishment that deserves a victory dance. Winners go for the GOLD (Goals, Objectives, Logistics and Deadlines). Set your path on paper and you’ll be on the fast track to achieving your destiny.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

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Michael Varma is a freelance writer, award-winning presenter and professional magician. To learn more, visit http://www.michaelvarma.com/.

Contact Michael Varma, the author of Tasteful Toasts, for permission to reprint this article. Copyright January 2009 Magical Concepts.