Contrary to his image as a master planner, Napoleon claimed he was "ruled by circumstances." He avoided rigid, long-term plans, opting instead for flexible projects. His genius was not in controlling events, but in bending his policies to align with their unforeseen shape as they unfolded.

Successful individuals and companies don't experience more fortunate events. Instead, they excel at capitalizing on positive serendipity and navigating negative shocks. The narrative of "luck" is often a psychological crutch for those unwilling to take responsibility for their reactions to life's inherent volatility.

Luck isn't passive; it's created by being in motion. The founder discovered a new product that became a $100 million business simply because he was on-site working on a different toy. Momentum creates opportunities for serendipity that you can't plan for.

True value comes from the person you become while overcoming challenges. A lucky break, like winning the lottery, prevents you from going through the 'gauntlet' that forges skill and character. The struggle itself is the prize, as it is the only path to becoming your best possible self.

The phrase "I make my own luck" is a misnomer. Life outcomes are a function of two things: luck (uncontrollable) and decision quality. While you can't control luck, you can consistently make better decisions that increase the probability of favorable outcomes over time.

Luck and opportunities are ever-present but invisible, like the wind. To harness them, you must first build your "ship" (internal work and skills), recruit your "crew" (your network and relationships), and then hoist your "sail" (the daily actions you take to catch opportunities).

Rather than a vague aura, luck should be defined as a specific event with three criteria: 1) you didn't cause it, 2) it has a potentially significant consequence (good or bad), and 3) it was a surprise. This framework transforms luck from a passive concept into something you can analyze and respond to strategically.

Dr. Tina Seelig defines fortune as external events (like traffic), while luck is the outcome of your actions (like preparing for an interview). Recognizing this difference helps you focus your energy on areas where you have control, thereby creating more of your own "luck."

Fortune refers to the random events that occur in your life, like stumbling upon a useful video. Luck, however, is created by your deliberate actions in response to those events, such as reaching out to the video's creator. This distinction highlights the personal agency required to turn random chance into tangible opportunity.