Serendipity
How to invite a welcome change into your life
Serendipity. There’s a word that doesn’t get used much. We typically think more in terms of chance, fate, destiny, or even karma. But serendipity has a more positive spin than those other terms.
Serendipity refers to the occurrence of valuable or unexpected discoveries by chance or accident. It often involves stumbling upon something positive or beneficial while looking for something else or when not actively seeking it. Serendipity plays a significant role in our daily lives, influencing our experiences, opportunities, and personal growth.
Here’s something to think about: how much did serendipity play a role in your current career? Are you doing what you set out to do? Or did circumstances come together and bring you here, with you as a willing participant?
For most of us — me included — serendipity had a much greater role in our lives and careers than we would have guessed. There’s a lot to be said for being in the right place at the right time. But along with that we need to bring our curiosity and be willing to see the possibilities if we want to continue to grow.
And if serendipity had a role, what was your mindset at the time? Open? Receptive? It certainly wasn’t closed to new possibilities, or you wouldn’t have made the move. What is your mindset now? Is it one of curiosity? Or are you too busy protecting what you have?
What’s interesting to me is how hard we will work to protect something that happened by chance. Perhaps instead of fighting to keep what is no longer working we should adjust our mindset and open ourselves to new possibilities. In other words, actively invite serendipity and allow it to take us on a new journey.
How does one invite serendipity? Here are some ideas:
1. Stay Open-Minded: Approach life with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
2. Embrace Curiosity: Cultivate curiosity about the world. Ask questions, explore new places, and engage in activities that encourage exploration. Curiosity creates an environment where serendipity is more likely to occur.
3. Seek Diverse Experiences: Engage in a variety of activities, meet new people, and expose yourself to different environments.
4. Connect with Others: Engage in conversations and interactions with people from various backgrounds. Meaningful connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.
5. Embrace Uncertainty: Understand that life is inherently uncertain, and serendipity is a natural part of that uncertainty. Embrace the unexpected as a source of growth and learning.
Serendipity adds an element of surprise and wonder to our lives. By remaining open to unexpected experiences and finding ways to integrate them into our journey, we can harness the potential of serendipity to enhance our personal and professional growth.
An open mind and a sense of curiosity are essential for growth no matter where you are in your life or your career. You’re never too old to learn, and you’re never too old to try something new. Open your mind and let the serendipity in. You might be surprised what it brings.
