♟️ The Metagame #013: Can You Control Luck?

This is something I’ve written about in the past, but it’s such an important (and relevant) topic that I felt I had to write about it again.

Sue me.

Here’s what I’ve got for you today:

• The four types of luck

• How to get luckier

Read time: 4 minutes

A month ago, I got 2nd place in a $150,000 poker tournament, taking home a little north of $20,000. And if you believe it was because I got lucky… you’d be right.

But it’s not the kind of “lucky” you think.

Before you can change your luck, you need to know about the four types of luck:

1. Blind Luck

This is the luck that happens completely at random—no effort or input from you. Think of winning the lottery, being born into a great family, or narrowly missing a sudden rainstorm. It's unpredictable—and uncontrollable.

Example: You find a $100 bill on the street. You didn't do anything to deserve it; it just happened.

2. Luck from Motion

This luck comes from being active and putting yourself out there. The more you engage with the world, the more opportunities you create for luck to find you.

Example: Attending networking events increases your chances of meeting someone who could offer you a job or partnership.

3. Luck from Awareness

This type of luck is about being able to spot opportunities that others might miss. It involves a keen sense of awareness and the ability to connect the dots.

Example: You read about a new technology and realize its potential applications in your field before anyone else does.

4. Luck from Uniqueness

This is the most intriguing form of luck. It stems from your unique talents, skills, or experiences. When you cultivate something exceptional within yourself, luck finds you because of who you are.

Example: You're an expert in a niche field, and companies seek you out for your specialized knowledge.

Now, I’m no poker pro. I’m definitely not a “unique” poker player. But luck from uniqueness is a special category, and it's what you should strive for to maximize your success in whatever you do.

When you become the go-to person for anything—whether it’s at your day job, for your online business, or within your network—you become indispensable. Instead of reaching out to others, people come to you with opportunities.

So how does one control their luck?

While luck from uniqueness is certainly more powerful than blind luck or luck from motion, all types of luck can be beneficial.

Sometimes, just being in the right place at the right time is all you need to start your journey.

That’s how I ended up guest lecturing at NYU. I put myself in environments where I could make the right connections, openly discuss my interests, and showcase my skills—and someone took notice.

Right place, right time.

(And a bit of uniqueness sprinkled in…)

Here are some things you can start doing today to enhance your luck:

1. Increase Your Activity (Luck from Motion): Engage more with your community, attend events, and participate in projects. The more you do, the more likely you are to stumble upon opportunities.

2. Sharpen Your Awareness (Luck from Awareness): Stay curious and informed. Read more, ask more questions, and be more observant. You’d be surprised what you can find sitting in plain sight.

3. Develop Unique Skills (Luck from Uniqueness): Invest time in mastering a skill or developing expertise in a niche area. Your uniqueness can become your competitive advantage.

4. Embrace the Unexpected: Be open to new experiences. Sometimes, unplanned events lead to the most rewarding opportunities.

So when I say you can “get lucky,” you’re really just setting yourself up for the highest chance of success.

It’s not just a random occurrence; it's something you can influence. By understanding these four types of luck and actively working on them, you're not just waiting for good things to happen—you’re making them happen.

So, the next time someone tells you that success is all about luck, you can smile, knowing you've simply stacked the deck in your favor.

Quote of the week

Thanks for reading!

If you have any questions, hit me up on LinkedIn or on 𝕏 at @sam_starkman, or feel free to reply to this email!

— Sam