The Myth of Chance: How Continuous Effort Turns Dreams into Reality
Success doesn’t fall from the sky. Learn how planning, effort, and discipline build real achievements.
São Leopoldo, March 12, 2025 - Year II - Edition 061
Results are not a matter of chance, yet many believe they are. How often have you heard someone say, "So-and-so got lucky"? Sounds easy, doesn’t it? However, what we see is only the tip of the iceberg. The truth lies hidden behind sweat and dedication. Success doesn’t fall from the sky. It’s the fruit of daily choices. And today, we’re diving into this idea.
Imagine an artist painting their masterpiece. Each brushstroke may seem simple, but it carries years of practice. No one sees the failed attempts or the corrected mistakes. All of that is part of the journey. Behind every achievement lies an invisible path of hard work. So, remember: results are not a matter of chance.
What Defines Success?
When we look at someone at the top, our first reaction is: "That person got lucky!" But is luck the secret to success? According to Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers: The Story of Success, "Success is not a gift from the heavens. It is built with years of effort and well-seized opportunities" (Gladwell, 2008). In other words, behind every achievement, there is much more than just fate.
Imagine a lush tree. You only see its tall branches and exuberant leaves, but its roots are deeply buried in the soil. Success works the same way. The visible part – fame, recognition – is supported by planning, effort, and discipline. Thomas Edison (1847 - 1931), the inventor of the light bulb, once said: "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration" (Edison, as quoted by Josephson, 2012). He failed thousands of times before getting it right. Luck? No. Persistence.
Therefore, success does not fall from the sky. It is the result of daily choices, hard work, and learning from mistakes. As Angela Duckworth says in Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance: "Passion and perseverance matter more than natural talent" (Duckworth, 2016). So, the next time you admire someone, remember: the shine you see was polished with sweat and dedication.
The Illusion of Chance
How often have you heard someone say, "Oh, so-and-so got lucky"? It seems like a simple explanation, but is luck the main factor? According to the philosopher Seneca, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity" (Seneca, 45 AD). In other words, what we call "chance" is often the result of years of silent effort.
Think about nature. A seed doesn’t turn into a tree overnight. It needs fertile soil, water, and sunlight to grow. Similarly, our dreams require time and dedication. As Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895) said, "Chance favors only the prepared mind" (Pasteur, cited by Debré, 1998). Success isn’t magic; it’s construction.
Therefore, before calling something "luck," remember: behind every achievement lies effort, planning, and patience. What seems like chance is, in fact, the result of a carefully paved path.
Historical Examples of "Chance"
Who hasn’t heard of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb? But here’s a secret: his success wasn’t luck. Before creating the functional light bulb in 1879, he tested thousands of materials without success, notes Max Altman in a publication dated October 21, 2020, for the Operamundi website. When asked about so many failed attempts, he responded:
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work," adds Natasha Pinelli in an article from October 21, 2016, for the Galileu Magazine website.
This proves that "chance" is, in fact, the result of relentless dedication. Success isn’t luck; it’s hard work disguised as opportunity.
The Role of Planning
If chance doesn’t exist, then what matters? Planning. Yes, that "old friend" many of us insist on leaving aside. But imagine your life as a trip without GPS. You might end up somewhere, but it will likely be by sheer coincidence – and it probably won’t be where you wanted to be. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944) said: "A goal without a plan is just a wish" (Saint-Exupéry, 1939). Planning is about turning wishes into reality.
Planning is like building a bridge between where you are and where you want to go. Without this bridge, you’re at the mercy of life’s currents. Peter Drucker (1909–2005), considered the father of modern management, stated: "Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable" (Drucker, 1954). This means the value isn’t in the final document but in the process of thinking, reflecting, and adjusting your path.
And if something goes wrong? No problem! Good planning includes room for adjustments. After all, as Mike Tyson once said:
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." — Phrase attributed to Mike Tyson, from public statements by the former boxer.
The key is to have clarity about your goals and be prepared to adjust your course when necessary. So, stop waiting for fate. Take control of your life and start planning today.
Planning as a Compass
Imagine you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean, without a compass or a map. You might end up somewhere, but will it be the destination you truly desire? Planning works like that compass: it helps us choose the right direction, even when the waters are rough, according to an article by Marciléa Silva published on her LinkedIn two weeks ago. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said: "What is essential is invisible to the eye" (Saint-Exupéry, 1943). In the case of planning, the "essential" is having clarity about your destination.
Without a compass, any wind seems sufficient. But with it, every decision gains purpose and direction. A good plan not only points the way but also prepares us for challenges. After all, as navigation experts highlight, "a compass guides people and charts, helping us discover where we are and what the next step of the journey will be." So, before setting sail on the adventure of life, remember: planning is your compass. It transforms distant dreams into possible routes, guiding you toward success.
Practical Tools for Planning
Want to plan like a professional? Start by setting clear and specific goals, as "well-defined goals are the foundation of any success," states an article published on the FSENSE website. Next, break large objectives into smaller steps, a strategy that increases agility and ensures higher quality in the process, adds the Project Builder site in an article from August 9, 2017.
To organize your ideas, use tools like Asana or Google Keep, which are great allies in task management. Don’t forget to regularly review your progress. After all, "planning is essential, but adjusting the plan makes all the difference," concludes Fernanda Souza on two social media platforms. With these simple practices, you’ll turn dreams into concrete results!
The Power of Continuous Effort
Even the best planning in the world doesn’t work without effort. And here lies the great challenge: continuous effort. It’s not enough to work hard for a day or a week. The real secret is maintaining the pace, even when no one is watching. As Calvin Coolidge, former President of the United States, once said:
"Nothing in this world can replace persistence. Talent is not enough; the world is full of talented people who have failed" (Coolidge, quoted by Goodreads, 2023).
Continuous effort is like watering a plant every day. You may not see immediate results, but over time, it grows strong and healthy. Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, states that "perseverance and passion for long-term goals are the key predictors of success" (Duckworth, 2016). In other words, small daily actions add up to great achievements over time.
And if you stumble? Get up and keep moving forward. After all, as Confucius said:
"The man who moves mountains begins by carrying away small stones" (Confucius, translated by Dawson, 1993).
Every step counts. So, take a deep breath and stay focused. Continuous effort is not just a choice; it is the fuel that turns dreams into reality.
When Exhaustion Knocks at the Door
Let’s be honest: there will be days when you’ll feel like giving up. Days when the weight of responsibilities feels overwhelming and motivation simply evaporates. But, as the wise say, "the night is darkest before the dawn." It is precisely in these moments of exhaustion that success begins to reveal itself.
Persevering isn’t easy, but it’s essential. As experts have highlighted, "persisting in the face of adversity demonstrates strength of character, determination, and intelligence," according to an article published by Bob P. on April 29, 2022, on his LinkedIn profile. When exhaustion knocks at your door, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you started. Keep the dialogue alive with yourself and your dreams, because "when fatigue sets in, regroup and keep going."
Also, remember: every step taken amid exhaustion is a step toward victory. Duckworth asserts that "perseverance and passion for long-term goals are the key predictors of success." So, even when everything seems difficult, stay strong. Success belongs to those who don’t give up.
Small Steps, Big Achievements
Do not underestimate the power of small daily actions. After all, "great things are made of small efforts repeated" (Lao-Tzu). Reading a book for 15 minutes a day can transform your worldview in just a few months. Exercising for 20 minutes daily can revolutionize your health in weeks.
Each small step is like a drop of water that, over time, carves a stone. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says:
"You don’t need to be radical to achieve extraordinary results; you just need to improve by 1% every day" (Clear, 2018).
These micro-habits add up to big changes. So, start today, even if it seems insignificant. After all, consistent small steps lead to the greatest achievements in life.
The Magic of Discipline
If effort is the engine, discipline is the fuel that keeps it running. Without it, the engine simply stops. After all, as Jim Rohn (1930–2009) said, "Discipline is the first step toward achieving extraordinary results." Discipline is what motivates us to get up early, even when fatigue weighs us down, or to continue working on our dreams even when everything seems to be going wrong.
But what makes discipline so magical? It transforms small daily actions into great achievements over time. Angela Duckworth asserts:
"The ability to maintain focus and keep moving forward, regardless of obstacles, is what defines true winners."
In other words, discipline is not just a habit; it is a powerful force that shapes our future.
And if you think discipline is unattainable, consider this: start with small, realistic goals. As James Clear says: "You don’t have to be perfect to start; you just need to be consistent." With patience and dedication, discipline becomes part of who you are. And then, you truly discover your inner strength.
Discipline as an Art
Think of discipline as a work of art. Each small action you take is like a brushstroke on a blank canvas. Alone, it may seem insignificant, but when combined with others, it creates something beautiful and lasting. As Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) once said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" – and discipline is this simplicity transformed into strength.
Discipline is not just about rigidity; it is a form of expression. According to experts, "discipline is an art form created through honesty, responsibility, and determination," states Diego Dayy on his social media. It requires us to make daily choices that, little by little, shape our lives like a sculpture.
Just as in art, discipline demands constant practice. It’s not about perfection but consistency. As highlighted by Paul Heilker, "Discipline is a rigorous and inescapable focus of energies and efforts." So, see your routine as a canvas and each action as a brushstroke. With patience, you will create a masterpiece.
How to Cultivate Self-Discipline
Cultivating self-discipline may seem challenging, but it is entirely possible with the right strategies. Start by establishing clear routines, as "consistency is the key to transforming habits into second nature." Next, eliminate distractions – after all, as Cal Newport says, "Deep focus is the most valuable currency in the modern world" (Newport, 2016).
Celebrate small victories along the way, as this keeps your motivation alive. Finally, find intrinsic motivation: do something because you truly believe in it, not just for external rewards. Remember: self-discipline is like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. With patience and practice, you will be in control of your life.
Conclusion – Coincidence Does Not Exist
We’ve reached the end of this journey, but I hope something has become clear. Success doesn’t fall from the sky, nor does it happen by chance. It is the result of effort, planning, and a lot of dedication. Behind every achievement lies invisible work and daily choices. Always remember: results are not a matter of chance but rather the continuous construction of who we are.
Now, think about your own life. How many times have you wished for something without taking action? Dreams require more than just thoughts; they need action. Small daily steps can transform your goals into reality. Don’t wait for fate; build your path with discipline and focus. After all, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
So, what did you think of this text? Leave a comment sharing your opinion or reflecting on how you’ve been applying these principles in your life. Also, I’d like to know: What would you like to see in the next editions of the Fer’s Newsletter? Your contribution is essential for us to keep growing together!