And They Said it Wouldn't Happen

[YoDoug]

I love the expression "the harder I work, the luckier I get"....but it's amazing how many folks think it's just an  expression!

Hard work and luck are two separate things. Hard work does not guarantee success and neither does being lucky. Both variables can greatly effect success.

[CNCAppsJames]

Hard work and luck are two separate things. Hard work does not guarantee success and neither does being lucky. Both variables can greatly effect success.

But what affects success more than anything (IMHO) is attitude. Bad attitude nearly always produces an undesirable result. Whereas a good attitude nearly always produces a good result. Not always, but more often than not.

[Incogneeto]

"Luck" is being prepared for an opportunity.

[Brian]

"Luck" is being prepared for an opportunity.

I think Louis Pasteur said something to the effect of "Chance favors the prepared mind", and I've often thought that this comes closest to capturing the entirety of it all. Chance (or "luck") certainly plays a role in so much of our lives, and yet if you are unable to seize the opportunities that come your way (for lack of preparation, for example), it's all for naught.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Pasteur

[Brian]

Another good quote from Thomas Edison: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

[YoDoug]

But what affects success more than anything (IMHO) is attitude. Bad attitude nearly always produces an undesirable result. Whereas a good attitude nearly always produces a good result. Not always, but more often than not.

I agree, a good attitude is something that anyone can choose regardless of their advantages or disadvantages in life.

[Brian]

Bad attitude nearly always produces an undesirable result.

Years ago I saw a bumper sticker that said something to the effect: "Attitude: the ultimate disability" I don't recall ever seeing that again, but I'd buy one if I did! It's sooooo true!

[CNCAppsJames]

I think Louis Pasteur said something to the effect of "Chance favors the prepared mind", and I've often thought that this comes closest to capturing the entirety of it all. Chance (or "luck") certainly plays a role in so much of our lives, and yet if you are unable to seize the opportunities that come your way (for lack of preparation, for example), it's all for naught.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Pasteur

That has certainly been the case of a lot of guys I roll with both in the business and in other professions.

I think personally I put in close to 2,000 hours between Mastercam, SurfCAM and SmartCAM on m yown before I ever sat at a Programming Workstation on the clock. I was ready long before I got there. Or so I thought BITD.

[BrianP.]

Then he has to be making about $40 per hour?

We are hourly so time and a half does factor in. But let's just say closer to 40 than 30.

[BrianP.]

That doesn't make much sense.

Here is an example of how his brain works.

He is talking about a new car. Was looking at a Subaru WRX. Great car for 2 kids. 🤪
He then tells us his girlfriend wants a newer car. He told her to go ahead but he won't help her buy one and she can't use his name on a loan.

I don't know about you but when I was younger I always made sure my wife had the nicer more dependable car.

[JParis]

I don't know about you but when I was younger I always made sure my wife had the nicer more dependable car.

I still try to...

[BrianP.]

I still try to...

I'm the same. Fortunately for us we have always lived well within our means. Right now we both have cars we bought new in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. Zero percent interest for the life of the loan. She still got the nicer vehicle though. 😁

[Smit]

Here is an example of how his brain works.

He is talking about a new car. Was looking at a Subaru WRX. Great car for 2 kids. 🤪
He then tells us his girlfriend wants a newer car. He told her to go ahead but he won't help her buy one and she can't use his name on a loan.

I don't know about you but when I was younger I always made sure my wife had the nicer more dependable car.

Well he does sound like he's quite the catch isn't he?!?! 

[crazy^millman]

I don't know about you but when I was younger I always made sure my wife had the nicer more dependable car.

Yeah to this day that is the case with me also. I am driving a 2014 used vehicle with over 100k miles on it. I haven't bought new since 2008 and don't plan to ever do it again. When you drive any vehicle off the lot you lose 30% and can pick up low mileage vehicles for a great price with warranty.

[crazy^millman]

Well he does sound like he's quite the catch isn't he?!?! 

Amazing how little some women value their worth and lives to be with men like that.