Reframing Success: It’s Not About Luck—It’s About Your Abilities, Competency, and Execution

Success: It’s Not About Luck—It’s About Your Abilities, Competency, and Execution

We’ve all heard it before—“You’re so lucky!” Whether it’s landing a new job, achieving a personal goal, or seeing a project through to completion, success is often attributed to luck. But here’s the truth: Luck is not the driving force behind success. The real factors that determine your success are your abilities, your competency, and your ability to execute when opportunities arise.

This is where a critical reframe of success is needed. Instead of thinking of success as a random stroke of luck, view it as the result of your efforts and preparation. Reframing how we think about success can empower us to take ownership of our achievements and move beyond the belief that success is just a matter of chance.

While luck may play a small role in opening doors, it is what you do once the door is open that truly shapes your success. Let’s break down the core elements that help you achieve your goals: abilities, competency, and execution.

Abilities: Your Skill Set is the Foundation

Success doesn’t just happen by chance. It happens because you’ve developed valuable abilities that allow you to solve problems, adapt to challenges, and create value in whatever you do. Whether it’s communication, critical thinking, leadership, or creativity, your abilities define your potential to succeed.

It’s easy to think of luck when things fall into place, but consider this: the reason you’re able to seize those opportunities is because of the skills you’ve developed. The more you invest in building your capabilities, the more confident and prepared you become to take action when the moment comes.

This shift in thinking—that success stems from what you’ve learned and practiced—reframes the idea of achievement. Instead of waiting for something to “happen” or relying on external circumstances, you can feel proud knowing that your growth and effort are at the core of your success.

Competency: The Power of Experience

While abilities are what you can do, competency is about what you’ve actually done. It’s your experience—the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the victories achieved—that shapes how you navigate the world. Competency is not just theoretical knowledge; it’s your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations.

The more experience you gain, the more prepared you become for the unexpected. Whether it’s solving a difficult problem, adapting to changes, or overcoming obstacles, experience builds your confidence and sharpens your judgment. Competency also helps you persevere through setbacks, knowing that each challenge is an opportunity to grow.

Reframing success through competency means recognizing that each experience, whether a success or a failure, is a stepping stone that makes you better equipped to handle whatever comes next. Every skill and piece of knowledge you gain contributes directly to your ability to execute in the future.

Execution: Luck May Open the Door, But You Have to Walk Through It

Now we come to the most critical part: execution. This is where the real difference between success and failure lies. Luck might give you a chance, but it’s your ability to take action, make decisions, and follow through that turns that chance into something meaningful.

Execution is the act of bringing your ideas, skills, and experience to life. It’s not enough to have a great plan or be in the right place at the right time. What matters is your ability to get things done. From taking initiative to managing your resources effectively, execution is about doing what needs to be done to move forward, even when challenges arise.

Reframing execution as a crucial part of success shifts the perspective from “I got lucky” to “I made it happen.” It empowers you to take ownership of the work behind your achievements and appreciate the process, not just the outcome.

Why Luck Alone Isn’t Enough

Let’s be clear: Luck can create opportunities, but it’s what you do with those opportunities that determines your success. Think of it like this: you might be given a head start, but without the right skills and the ability to execute, you won’t reach the finish line.

This is why success is not about being in the right place at the right time. It’s about being the right person who knows how to leverage opportunities, solve problems, and take decisive action. You can’t rely on luck alone, but with the right combination of abilities, experience, and execution, you’re in control of your success.

Embrace the Reality: Success Is Earned, Not Given

Success is within your control. It’s not about waiting for luck to strike—it’s about putting in the work, honing your skills, and executing consistently. Whether it’s in your personal life, career, or creative endeavours, you have the power to create your own opportunities.

By reframing success, you recognize that you didn’t get here by chance—you earned it. The more you develop your abilities, gain experience, and execute with purpose, the more you position yourself to succeed, regardless of what “luck” might bring your way. Don’t minimize your own achievements or the hard work it took to get here. You’ve put in the effort, and you deserve to celebrate your success! This shift in thinking allows you to take full ownership of your journey and feel proud of how far you’ve come.