Make Your Breaks - Thoughts on Serendipity

Serendipity is good - but can it be shaped?

The answer is yes, if you understand how to create the unexpected and turn it into opportunity. Serendipity means good luck in making fortunate unexpected discoveries; so how do we create the unexpected?

My dad always told me, "You practice like you play". As a former college quarterback, he knows a lot about the importance of practice. His logic goes like this: you practice your game, so that you can create unexpected events. Practice creates opportunity; skill allows you to capitalize on the unexpected. After all, the difference between "serendipity" and "surprise" is... results.

From Nathan Jamail's "Sales Leaders Playbook": Athletes spend 90% of their time practicing, and 10% on performance. In business, it's more like 1% practice, 99% "just do it", and hope for the best. Not a good strategy for serendipity, but it certainly can create a lot of surprises!

In the business world, effective practice means taking time to reflect on opportunities, to explore ideas (like this one!) with others, and exchange innovation with other thought leaders. By asking "What if...?" we can unlock the key to imagination - that's the birthplace of new discoveries (IMHO). Creativity shapes serendipity. Put that idea into practice by exchanging new ideas; prepare for the unexpected by considering it with colleagues you trust.