If it's meant to be it's up to me

It was not a phrase I had heard before until I stumbled across Sophie Young’s Instagram bio.  It is an affirmation of what I strongly believe in, namely, to work hard to reach my goals and be in control of my destination.

It struck a chord with me the day I came across it because I had overheard someone on the receiving end of the oh so infuriating remark “you’re so lucky” a few days prior. Naturally, I want to delve into this a little further.

Depending on who you ask, I accept that you may be considered lucky if:

You have grown up in a loving household with food, and warmth.

You have had an education.

You have been encouraged with your sport and extracurricular activities.

As a child there is a lot of luck because largely your parents hold the cards for you.  You don’t get a say on which hand you get dealt.  As you mature, it is your own actions that will determine what hand you play and how you play it. 

It is not down to luck that you get a degree.  That’s diligence and hard work.

It is not down to luck that you represent your country in a sport.  That’s commitment and self-discipline.

It is not down to luck that you become a leader in your chosen field. That is determination and dedication.

It is not luck that you start your own business. That is courage and risk taking.

It is not luck that you stay at home to raise your child instead of going back to work.  Behind that are sacrifices and many of the attributes aforementioned to get to a position where it is possible.

Yes, there are exceptions to every rule: The ones who win lotto so don’t need to ever return to work, the ones who know the head coach so get a leg up and the ones who get offered a very successful business through the family.  They are the ones who get dealt a good hand.  However, 99% of the time, it’s on us and only us to get to where we want to get to. 

If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me. There’s no luck in that.