There is no such thing as luck there Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

In the book, this isn’t just a feel-good line. It’s woven into a pretty dark narrative about the extremes people go to for success in the glamorous and brutal world of the film industry. The quote serves as a kind of mantra for the driven characters, a justification for their relentless focus and preparation, even when that pursuit becomes morally ambiguous.

Usage Examples

So, how do you actually use this? It’s a powerful reframe for a few key audiences.

For the aspiring entrepreneur: Instead of saying, “I hope I get lucky with my startup,” you say, “I’m going to become so knowledgeable about my customer’s pain points that when the market is ready for a solution, my product will be the obvious answer.”

For a team you’re leading: You can shift the culture from one that complains about competitors’ “lucky timing” to one that asks, “What can we learn and what can we build now so we’re ready for the next industry shift?”

For your own personal development: When you see a colleague get a promotion you wanted, rather than chalking it up to luck, get curious. What specific skills or relationships did they cultivate that made them the obvious choice? Then, go build that for yourself.

To whom it appeals?

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FAQ

Question: Does this mean random chance doesn’t exist?

Answer: Not at all. Chance events happen all the time. The quote’s power is in its focus on the one variable you can actually control: your own readiness.

Question: Isn’t this just the same as “luck is when preparation meets opportunity”?

Answer: It’s a very close cousin, for sure. Coelho’s phrasing is just more direct and dismissive of the concept of luck itself, which can be a more powerful mental trigger for some people.

Question: Can this mindset lead to blaming people for their own lack of “luck”?

Answer: That’s a sharp observation. It can, if applied without empathy. Systemic barriers are real. The key is to use this philosophy on yourself to maximize your own agency within your circumstances, not to judge others.