The 3

Success is the number 3.

I don't mean Babe Ruth. I don't mean Chance the Rapper.

Though both achieved success, it’s not the actual numeral "3" that I am referring to. It's a set of items that comprise success. It's "the 3."

The first is opportunity. The opportunity to make money; to prove your worth; to grow in a direction; to cultivate your skills; to realize your dreams. This could be your first job, or an offer from a colleague, or a FOR SALE sign on a business in your neighborhood. These are not always presented to you. Many times you must create your own opportunity. But you can't be successful without an opportunity.

The second is execution. You must execute on said opportunity. Opportunities are presented to people every day, and have had many fail to execute. They have fallen short of the opportunity. They did not reach full potential. Or they did nothing at all. You must act in order for the opportunity to have a chance at all. Once you execute, you have validated the opportunity.

The final and most important item is luck. Every successful person in the world recognizes and admits that they were lucky. Luck is not a bad thing; it’s a great thing. People who have reached the pinnacle in their field have been lucky along the way. Chance had to be on their side. Sure, they have talent. Sure, they are smart or driven or creative. But the great ones admit that they were lucky. And luck favors someone who executed on an opportunity.

Opportunity is right in front of you. Execution is in your hands. Luck...well, look up toward the sky.