The More We Limit Ourselves, the More Resourceful We Become. Absolute Success is Luck. Relative Success is Hard Work. These two statements may seem contradictory at first glance, but upon closer examination, they reveal a deeper truth about the nature of success.

The More We Limit Ourselves, the More Resourceful We Become. Absolute Success is Luck. Relative Success is Hard Work. These two statements may seem contradictory at first glance, but upon closer examination, they reveal a deeper truth about the nature of success.

Take the story of Tu Youyou, the Chinese scientist who discovered the artemisinin treatment for malaria. In a bold and daring move, she and two other members of Project 523 infected themselves with malaria to test the efficacy of the new drug. Without any postgraduate degree, research experience abroad, or membership in prestigious academies, Tu's relentless hard work and persistence paid off. She not only saved millions of lives but also became the first Chinese person to receive the Nobel Prize and the Lasker Award for her contributions to medical science.

Tu's story exemplifies the idea that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable success. While luck certainly played a role in her discovery, it was her unwavering commitment and willingness to take risks that set her apart. As author Nassim Taleb writes in "Fooled by Randomness," "Mild success can be explainable by skills and labor. Wild success is attributable to variance." In other words, the more extreme and unlikely the circumstances surrounding success, the more luck comes into play.

However, when success is measured on a relative scale, hard work becomes the determining factor. Comparing oneself to others who have experienced similar levels of luck reveals that the difference lies in habits and choices. The person who works hard, seizes opportunities, and tries new things is more likely to stumble upon a lucky break than the person who simply waits for luck to come their way. As the saying goes, "The harder I practice, the luckier I get."

Richard Hamming, a mathematician and computer engineer, sums up the essence of great work by stating, "The prepared mind sooner or later finds something important and does it. So yes, it is luck. The particular thing you do is luck, but that you do something is not." In other words, luck may play a role in the specifics of one's success, but the act of taking action and pursuing opportunities is within our control.

So, how can we apply these insights to our own lives and increase our chances of success? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Cultivate a growth mindset: Believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning from failures. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and improve, rather than as obstacles to be avoided.

2. Take calculated risks: Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Success often requires venturing into the unknown and taking risks. Be willing to put in the necessary effort and embrace the possibility of failure.

3. Focus on the process, not just the outcome: Instead of solely fixating on the end result, pay attention to the habits, routines, and actions that lead to success. Consistency and perseverance in your daily practices will ultimately determine your trajectory towards success.

In conclusion, the interplay between luck and hard work in achieving success is a complex and nuanced concept. While luck may play a role in the specifics of one's success, it is the relentless pursuit of opportunities, the willingness to take risks, and the dedication to continuous improvement that ultimately lead to remarkable achievements. By embracing a growth mindset, taking calculated risks, and focusing on the process, we can increase our chances of success and become more resourceful in the face of limitations.