TWP 008 – Getting Lucky – The Reason Everyone Succeeds While ‘You’ Don’t

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Getting lucky is something that is in your control. Just have to understand why people get lucky before you do that. In this episode of The Wandering Pro, I cover what is luck in career, how can one game it, the best ways to build a strong foundation in today’s ecosystem, and what you need to do starting today.

Hosted by Saqib Tahir
Support the show: https://support.sknexus.com/

Chapters

0:10 – New structure that might be better for a Career Podcast series
0:59 – Introduction to what is luck
3:07 – Comparison mentality of the people
4:07 – How you should measure success in career and life
5:01 – Stop glorifying end results, learn to see the journey behind it
6:18 – The things in your control related to luck
7:20 – Luck is all about being available
8:18 – What is user generated luck? (UGL….lol)
8:58 – Execution on improving your luck
9:39 – Step 1: Having online presence and a website
10:14 – Reason for having a website – control
11:25 – Structure of a basic website you should aim for
13:48 – Why testimonials are important and how you should get some
15:08 – Don’t make getting in touch impossible
16:43 – Having a website is all about persistence
17:52 – Why projects are important
18:23 – Have the right mindset for having your own website
18:58 – Best practices for making a website
20:20 – Building a portfolio, why is it harder for some than others
21:39 – What is a case study and how you can adopt it
22:32 – Example: Bug Bounty Case Study
23:49 – Blogging might be the most important thing you do in your career
25:11 – How to start writing a blog – works for everyone
26:02 – This should be the motive of writing a blog
27:12 – If ‘this’ then ‘that’ – how one improves their output
28:01 – Best practices for portfolio building
30:00 – Networking is the business referral equivalent for your career
30:40 – Understand the difference between networking and spam promoting yourself
31:11 – Networking approach 1: LinkedIn – the right way
33:01 – Networking approach 2: Engaging in communities
34:45 – Best practices for networking
36:20 – It’s all about persistence at the end of the day
37:13 – Question for you
39:02 – In the car segment: Getting affirmation for the content I create

English Transcript Summary: Understanding How To Create Luck in Your Career

Welcome to The Wandering Pro, where actionable advice meets introspection. In this episode, we’re officially adopting a new format—a structured approach that builds on previous episodes. The idea is simple: each episode connects to the next, forming a series designed to provide maximum value when followed comprehensively. If you’ve been listening sporadically, some points may feel out of context. But if you’re here for the long haul, you’re in for a transformative experience.

The structure of these episodes is deliberate. First, we define the problem. Then, we explore the challenges surrounding it—what they are and why they exist. Finally, we dive into actionable steps to address the issues. This structured approach reflects the essence of The Wandering Pro: not just discussing abstract ideas but offering tangible, practical advice.

Luck: A Common Misconception

Today’s topic revolves around “luck”—the often-cited scapegoat for success or failure. How often have you heard someone say, “They succeeded because they were lucky”? While sometimes this sentiment holds a kernel of truth, it’s more often a misguided simplification. This episode will delve into why attributing success solely to luck is both inaccurate and counterproductive.

To begin, let’s clarify: everyone experiences luck in some form. It’s undeniable that factors beyond our control—such as birthplace, family background, or early opportunities—play a role in shaping our lives. For instance, someone born into a tech-savvy environment may naturally gravitate toward opportunities in IT and tech, industries currently booming in countries like Pakistan. Meanwhile, others might face systemic challenges stemming from their environment, education, or lack of resources.

This disparity often leads to excuses: “I wasn’t born in the right place,” or “The government hasn’t provided infrastructure.” While such grievances might hold validity, dwelling on them seldom changes the outcome. What truly matters is recognizing the elements within your control and taking steps to leverage them.

The Universality of Problems

Many believe that moving to another country would solve all their problems. Yet, when you dig deeper, you’ll find that every place has its own challenges. The United States struggles with housing affordability; Japan faces work-life imbalance; and even countries like the UK contend with street crime. No country is without flaws. Comparing environments superficially misses the point: true progress comes from making the best of your circumstances.

Success shouldn’t be measured by who has the most but by who can thrive with the least. It’s about maximizing impact within your constraints. For instance, a Pakistani might not aspire to become the next Elon Musk due to systemic barriers, but they can still achieve significant, meaningful success within their environment.

The Myth of “Pure Luck”

Another common mentality is to attribute someone’s success entirely to luck, ignoring the effort and persistence behind it. Take the example of someone who becomes a successful entrepreneur or secures a high-paying job. It’s easy to point to the result and call it luck, but rarely does anyone see the countless risks they took or the effort they invested.

Luck often plays a small role—5–10% at most. The remaining 90–95% comes from persistence, effort, and making smart decisions. Consider this: who is more likely to land a job—someone who applies to one company or someone who applies to 100? Similarly, who is more likely to succeed as a writer—someone who publishes one blog post or someone who writes 1,000? The persistent individual invariably appears “luckier,” but their success is rooted in action, not chance.

Luck as a Statistical Advantage

At its core, luck is a numbers game. The more you try, the higher your chances of encountering favorable outcomes. Persistence creates opportunities, and opportunities increase the likelihood of success. This principle applies universally—whether it’s applying for jobs, starting a business, or pursuing creative endeavors.

Stay tuned for the next part of this discussion as we further unpack the myths surrounding luck and explore practical steps to “create your own luck.”

Increasing Your Odds: The Role of User-Generated Luck

One of the core ideas in achieving success is recognizing and amplifying your chances for luck to strike. Many people dismiss luck, attributing success solely to skill, intelligence, or opportunity. However, the truth is more nuanced. Luck often follows those who make themselves available for it.

Availability for Luck

Imagine sitting in a room, confident in your skills, intelligence, and potential. As long as no one knows you exist, your talents remain unnoticed. That’s why people create LinkedIn profiles, write resumes, and showcase their skills—even if these aren’t their strongest suit.

Take a software developer, for example. You might be the best coder in the world, but without a project, portfolio, or job to showcase your abilities, no one will know. Subconsciously, we all take actions that increase our chances of being “lucky.” But we rarely connect these deliberate efforts to the opportunities that follow.

This is where user-generated luck (UGL) comes into play. By taking specific, actionable steps, you can statistically increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time.

Execution Strategy: The Key to Leveraging Luck

Success doesn’t just come from being skilled; it comes from taking steps to ensure those skills are visible. This brings us to execution strategy—a practical approach to making yourself more “available” for luck.

For those in tech or IT, there’s no excuse not to follow this strategy. Below are actionable steps you can take, no matter your industry or role:

Build a Personal Website

A personal website is essential in today’s digital landscape. While many people rely on their LinkedIn profiles, this is no longer sufficient. Conversely, some overthink the process, aiming for a complex, multi-page site, only to procrastinate indefinitely.

Instead, focus on creating a basic website that serves as your digital home base. This website should be:

• Simple and Functional: Start small with a single-page design if necessary.
• Long-Term and Updatable: Choose a domain you can maintain for years, allowing for updates as your career progresses.
• Searchable and Unified: Enable SEO so others can discover your website.

When someone asks for your portfolio, your website should be the first link you share. A streamlined portfolio is far more effective than bombarding recruiters or collaborators with multiple files and links.

Key Sections for Your Website

Your website doesn’t need to be extravagant. It should have these core elements:

1. Introduction
   Craft a concise introduction that highlights:
   • Your name
   • Your experience
   • Your passions and skills
   • Your industry or domain of interest
2. Avoid irrelevant personal details, such as childhood stories or unrelated background information. Focus on what matters—your professional value.
   Example
   Use tools like ChatGPT to refine your introduction. Provide basic details like your name, experience, and skills, and request multiple drafts of a 3–5 line introduction. This process can help you create a versatile intro for use on your website, LinkedIn, and even in interviews.
3. Testimonials
   Over time, aim to include testimonials or endorsements on your site. Think of them as digital recommendation letters.
   • For Students: Ask professors or mentors to write brief recommendations about your academic abilities or character.
   • For Professionals: Request testimonials from managers, colleagues, or peers about your contributions and work ethic.
4. A few genuine, well-worded testimonials can add credibility to your portfolio.
5. Contact Information
   Ensure that your contact details are simple and reliable:
   • Use a standard email address (e.g., Gmail or Outlook) rather than custom domain emails, which can sometimes fail.
   • Make it easy for visitors to reach you—avoid unnecessary complexity in your contact forms or email addresses.

Why a Personal Website Matters

Your website is your online business card. It provides a centralized, professional platform for showcasing your skills and experiences. This approach works not just for developers but for anyone looking to establish their presence in a competitive field.

Without a website, sharing your GitHub profile or portfolio can confuse non-technical stakeholders like HR personnel or founders unfamiliar with industry platforms. A website bridges this gap, presenting a polished, accessible summary of your expertise.

In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into additional strategies you can adopt to improve your chances of success across any domain. From leveraging tools to honing specific skills, these approaches will ensure you’re always prepared when opportunity strikes. Stay tuned.

Why You Need a Personal Website and How to Make It Effective

Creating a personal website is a powerful way to control your professional presence online, share your work, and stand out in any competitive field. In this blog post, we’ve discussed the significance of a personal website, the elements you should include, and some tips to make it effective. Here’s the continuation and final takeaway:

The Power of Control

A personal website offers you unparalleled control over how you present yourself. Unlike social media or other platforms, which are subject to changes and outages, your website remains your space. Whether it’s for sharing your résumé, portfolio, or professional updates, your website ensures the people visiting it always find the latest, most accurate information about you.

Sharing links to third-party platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn has its risks. Accounts may be deactivated, platforms may change, or links may break. Your website centralizes your professional presence and acts as a reliable hub for all your content. For example, if you share your website link six months from now, visitors will still find updated details, which wouldn’t be guaranteed if you shared individual platform links.

Showcasing Projects: Your Key Differentiator

Projects are the backbone of any impressive professional profile. Regardless of whether you’re a university student or a seasoned professional, projects demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving capabilities. Employers often value tangible work over mere years of experience.

If you’re in school, start working on projects now. Choose small, manageable tasks in your desired field, and gradually scale up. Highlight these projects prominently on your website, providing explanations, achievements, and lessons learned. This not only differentiates you from others but also shows a proactive and hands-on approach to learning and growth.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Website

It’s essential to understand the true purpose of your personal website: control and reliability. Don’t assume your website will magically boost your SEO or make you famous. Instead, view it as a space where you can share your work and professional updates in a structured, accessible way.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

While creating a website, many people make avoidable errors. Here are some critical mistakes and how to sidestep them:

1. Unstructured Design: Avoid dumping a list of random links on your website. Use proper sections and a clear structure, such as an intro, portfolio, and contact information. A well-organized website improves the user experience.
2. Unreliable Links: Avoid using temporary or custom short links. Stick to standard URLs that are unlikely to break over time.
3. Poor Hosting Choices: If you’re hosting your website, choose a reliable platform. For instance, services like Namecheap offer affordable hosting plans for around $20 a year, ensuring your site remains functional and secure. Spending this amount annually is a worthwhile investment for students and professionals alike.

Maintenance Without Overcommitment

Once your website is up and running, there’s no need to update it daily. Overworking on your site can lead to burnout and neglect. Instead, schedule periodic updates to keep the information relevant without overburdening yourself.

A personal website is more than just an online portfolio; it’s a tool to showcase your control, reliability, and professionalism. From students to experienced professionals, everyone benefits from having a central platform that highlights their skills and accomplishments. By investing time and effort into a well-structured, reliable website, you can set yourself apart and create a lasting impression in your field.

Remember: Your website is your digital home. Build it, maintain it, and use it to share your journey with the world.

The Importance of Regular Website Updates

Launching a personal or professional website is only the beginning. The key to maintaining its effectiveness lies in regular updates and maintenance. Set a monthly reminder to revisit your website, test all links, and ensure everything functions smoothly. This proactive approach ensures a polished experience for visitors.

Task-Based Portfolios: Simplifying the Process

When creating a portfolio for task-based roles—like designing, developing, or writing—presenting your work is relatively straightforward. The focus should be on packaging your achievements effectively.

For example, include 3–4 screenshots of a project and accompany them with a concise explanation. Detail the project’s name, purpose, and your process in 5–6 lines. If building a dedicated portfolio page feels challenging, use a Google Doc with a shareable link and add it to your website’s portfolio section alongside an image.

Showcasing Strategy Roles: Embracing Case Studies

For strategy-driven roles, where outputs are less tangible, documenting your work requires creativity. A solution lies in using the impact case study format, traditionally utilized by companies to showcase results. This method involves:

1. Identifying the problem.
2. Describing the steps taken to address it.
3. Highlighting the impact or results.

This approach allows professionals in fields like cybersecurity or bug bounty hunting to showcase their contributions effectively. For instance, a bug bounty hunter might outline a challenging vulnerability, the methods used to resolve it, and the resulting value to the organization. Such detailed case studies offer a compelling alternative to simply listing accomplishments, especially when shared via a personal website.

The Value of Personal Websites

Unlike platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, a personal website gives you full control over how your portfolio and case studies are presented. This control is crucial for curating a professional image and tailoring the visitor experience to highlight your skills and achievements effectively.

Progressing Beyond the Basics: Starting a Blog

Once your website and portfolio are established, consider starting a blog. Many hesitate to begin blogging, worried about consistency or content. However, blogging offers numerous benefits:

• Improved Learning and Self-Reflection: Writing about your projects and experiences encourages research, thought organization, and critical analysis.
• Skill Development: Reviewing your work provides a feedback loop, helping you identify gaps and improve over time.

Avoid aiming for perfection initially. The goal is not to write lengthy, polished articles but to document your learning journey consistently. A weekly blog post—even a micro-blog of 7–8 lines—about your recent activities can suffice. Over time, this habit builds a valuable repository of experiences and insights.

Overcoming Blogging Challenges

Many struggle to find topics or sustain motivation. A simple template can help:

1. Identify your week’s main project or task.
2. Write its title and a brief overview of its action items.
3. Share your approach, challenges, and resolutions in 4–5 lines.

This straightforward approach aligns with common “stand-up” formats used in organizations and keeps the process manageable.

Quality Over Quantity in Portfolios

While consistency matters in blogging, portfolios require a focus on quality. A well-curated selection of your best work, supplemented with clear explanations of the process and outcomes, is far more impactful than a collection of generic examples.

Professional Networking for Success: Building a Strong Professional Foundation

In our earlier discussion, we explored why having a personal website, a polished portfolio, and proper documentation are vital steps in creating opportunities. Now, let’s delve into another cornerstone of professional growth: networking. Effective networking not only amplifies your chances of success but can also redefine your career trajectory by leveraging relationships and connections strategically.

The Importance of Networking

A fundamental concept in business is the power of referrals. Businesses thrive when satisfied customers recommend their products or services to others. The same principle applies to professionals: your success often hinges on how well others know and respect your work. Networking, in this context, is about building meaningful relationships where others can vouch for your abilities and accomplishments.

Opportunities—whether they’re job offers, collaborations, or mentorship—often emerge through word of mouth. A robust network acts as your gateway to these prospects.

Common Missteps in Networking

When people hear the term “networking,” many fall into the trap of ineffective tactics, such as:

• Spammy Behaviors: Sending mass connection requests on LinkedIn or indiscriminately posting “looking for work” messages in Facebook groups.
• Over-Promotion: Sharing multiple links to your profiles, services, or projects without context or genuine engagement.

These approaches rarely work and may harm your reputation. Networking is not about bombarding others with your information—it’s about building trust and showcasing value over time.

A Better Way to Network

To network effectively, focus on curated, deliberate strategies. Let’s discuss two proven approaches:

Networking on LinkedIn

• Target Relevant Companies: Identify organizations that align with your field or interests. Explore their employee lists to find active contributors, such as content creators or industry leaders, on LinkedIn.
• Follow Thought Leaders: Instead of connecting with everyone, follow individuals whose work inspires you or whom you admire professionally.
• Send Personalized Connection Requests: Only send connection requests to people you genuinely want to engage with. Accompany your request with a tailored message. For example:
  “Hi [Name], I’ve been following your work at [Company Name] and greatly appreciate your insights on [specific topic]. I’d love to connect and learn more from your experience.”
• Engage Meaningfully: Once connected, respect their time and interact thoughtfully. If they respond, build the conversation around shared interests or learning opportunities.

Networking Through Communities

Communities—whether on Discord, Slack, or other platforms—offer immense value. Many of these groups host regular events, discussions, and collaborative opportunities that enhance your learning and visibility.

• Join Niche Communities: Look for groups in your field or areas of interest. Some communities also host mentorship sessions, job boards, and knowledge-sharing forums.
• Be Active and Helpful: Contribute by sharing your expertise, answering questions, or providing feedback. For instance, if you’re skilled in website creation, help others navigate similar challenges.
• Earn Recognition: Consistent contributions can lead to recognition within the community, increasing your credibility and opportunities for referrals.

Best Practices for Networking

1. Respect Time: Whether it’s a LinkedIn connection or a community interaction, value the other person’s time. If someone mentors or guides you, express gratitude and apply their advice diligently.
2. Balance Give and Take: Networking is not just about seeking help—it’s about creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Offer your insights, share resources, or help others when possible.
3. Avoid Spamming: Overloading communities or individuals with links to your profiles or services often backfires. Focus on adding value instead of aggressively promoting yourself.
4. Be Consistent: Small, consistent efforts over time—whether spending 15 minutes a day networking or engaging in weekly community discussions—yield the highest ROI.

Turning Efforts into Results

Networking, combined with a strong portfolio and personal website, positions you as a professional worth investing in. Over time, this builds a reputation that opens doors to new projects, jobs, and collaborations.

Active engagement within a network often creates organic opportunities. For example, if someone seeks guidance on a topic you specialize in, your contributions make you the go-to person for recommendations or referrals. This snowball effect can significantly boost your career.

A Final Check-In

As you reflect on these strategies, ask yourself:

• Do I have a website or portfolio that showcases my skills effectively?
• Am I networking with intention, or am I falling into the trap of spam-like behaviors?
• What gaps exist in my current approach, and how can I improve based on the best practices discussed here?

In the next part, we will dive deeper into combining these strategies for sustained growth and share additional insights to refine your professional journey. Stay tuned!

Persistence, Networking, and Sharing Your Journey

As we wrap up our discussion, it’s essential to underscore a timeless truth about success: persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. As Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonald’s worldwide success, once said:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

This quote is a powerful reminder that consistent effort and determination, more than anything else, pave the path to success. It’s a message we should all carry as we navigate challenges in our careers and lives.

A Community for Growth: B-Sides Pakistan

In the after-show, I want to talk about a wonderful community that aligns closely with today’s theme—B-Sides Pakistan, a cybersecurity-focused initiative. This community organizes events where successful individuals, particularly those who began their journeys in Pakistan, share their experiences. These sessions, often informal and engaging, provide a platform to learn from those who have faced similar challenges and have achieved remarkable milestones.

What makes these events special is the relatability of the stories. These individuals share struggles and achievements that resonate with many of us in Pakistan, from breaking into competitive global industries to navigating cultural and professional barriers. Hearing their journeys not only inspires but also reinforces that the principles we discuss here are universally effective.

Blogging: A Gateway to Visibility and Opportunity

One striking takeaway from a recent event was a seasoned cybersecurity professional’s reflection on their career. Despite their achievements and international success, their biggest regret was not starting a blog early on.

Why blogging? Because it’s a tool to show your work and worth. Professionals in the West, particularly in technical fields, excel at documenting their progress and sharing it with the world. This habit creates opportunities, builds credibility, and allows them to attract “luck” through visibility.

The advice is simple yet transformative:

• Document your projects. Whether it’s a small script, a research finding, or a tool you’ve developed, write about it.
• Be consistent. Over time, even small efforts compound into a vast portfolio.
• Stand out. In fields like cybersecurity, blogging can set you apart by showcasing your skills and approach to problem-solving.

When you maintain this practice for years, you build a reputation that speaks for itself. Your blog becomes a repository of your journey, offering insights and lessons to others while cementing your expertise in your field.

Increase Your Luck Through Visibility

This brings us back to today’s main theme: getting lucky. One of the most effective ways to increase your luck is by being visible—by making your work known. Opportunities often find those who are seen and heard. Blogging and sharing your journey open doors, invite collaborations, and put you in the right places at the right times.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude, remember this: persistence, determination, and the ability to share your work are key to success. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or several years in, take the time to document your progress and engage with communities like BSides Pakistan. These steps not only enhance your skills but also ensure that you’re consistently in the right place for the right opportunities.

Thank you for tuning in today! If you have questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to admin@sknexus.com And if you’re curious about B-Sides Pakistan, check the link in the description to join their next event. Until next time, keep learning, keep sharing, and keep growing!

Prepared by Yousaf Babur

Further learning and references

https://sknexus.com/switch-to-freelancing-as-a-pakistani/
https://sknexus.com/how-to-improve-your-presence-online/
https://sknexus.com/your-children-have-no-shoes/
https://sknexus.com/why-professionals-fail/
https://sknexus.com/independence-of-luck/
https://sknexus.com/getting-better-at-upwork/
https://sknexus.com/setting-ideals-and-expectations/

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