Dupé Burgess
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Why others get all the 'lucky breaks'

by Dupe Burgess
Oct 05, 2025
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And how you can engineer them too

Read time: 6 minutes

A while ago someone asked me how I always seem to “be in the right place at the right time.”

It made me laugh — because from the outside, it can look like chance.

But most of those ‘lucky breaks’ were the result of consistent effort over time, not random good fortune.

I don’t think luck is something that simply lands on your lap. More often than not, it’s the outcome of choices, habits, and showing up even when it feels uncomfortable.

So then, if luck isn’t just luck
 how do you actually create it for yourself?

Here are six things I’ve been doing that have made opportunities far more likely to appear:

 
1. Share your work with the world

Whether it’s a podcast, a free guide, a LinkedIn post, a book, a newsletter, or something else, creating something gives people a reason to know who you are.

I’ve written on LinkedIn daily for over a year now, and have sent this newsletter out weekly since the first week of January.

The outcome? Paid partnerships, new investors, clients, and many connections I couldn’t have made otherwise.

Publishing consistently shows your thinking and values. The magic happens when someone you’ve never met finds your work, resonates with it, and reaches out.

 

2. Say yes to the things that scare you

At some point over the last year or so, I decided to lean into opportunities that made me feel slightly out of my depth.

I started coaching other people. I said yes to a campaign that put me on billboards across London (!). I sat on expert panels where I wasn’t sure I belonged.

Yes, I felt nervous every time, but the upside — collaborations, podcast invitations, and more — has been worth it. It’s not about saying yes to everything. It’s about recognising the difference between “this isn’t for me” and “this feels stretching, but worth it.”

 

3. Make writing a regular practice

Writing helps me clarify what I believe and consolidate what I’m learning. Some of my biggest strategic decisions and mindset shifts have come from journalling or creating content.

It doesn’t matter if it’s long-form, short-form, or your own private notes. Writing clarifies and sharpens your thinking. Plus, when you share it, others begin to understand your perspective, which often leads to new opportunities.

 

4. Connect with people (especially when you don’t feel like it)

The honest truth is I almost never feel like attending dinners, events, or meet-ups. But pushing myself to show up has led to unexpected friendships, mentors, collaborations, and yes, paid opportunities.

Conversations spark ideas and create openings — none of which happen if you convince yourself to stay home.

 
5. Keep in touch, even when there’s no agenda

Most doors don’t open from a single conversation. The opportunity is usually in the follow-up.

I make it a practice to check in with people — sometimes to share something useful, sometimes just to congratulate them. A thoughtful message has led me to podcast appearances, collaborations, and client work.

People are busy. They don’t always respond the first time. Staying in touch keeps the relationship warm, and often creates the next “lucky break.”

 
6. Choose your inputs carefully

We’re surrounded by endless information. Personally, I find it quite overwhelming, and clearly not all of it is useful.

Curating my inputs has been one of the most impactful habits I’ve built.

Being deliberate about what I read, listen to, and watch makes me sharper. The right content shapes my thinking and sparks new ideas.

Instead of aimless scrolling, I ask: does this leave me energised or drained?

 

The takeaway

Individually, these actions can seem small. But over time, they compound.

When you look closely at people who seem “lucky,” you’ll usually find they’ve been quietly and consistently doing some version of this for years. Most people start, but give up too soon.

If you keep showing up, creating, reaching out, and following through, you’ll find that luck has a way of showing up for you too.

Speak soon,

Dupé

 

PS: Whenever you're ready, feel free to enquire about working together: Get guidance on how to be more visible and grow your brand. Whether you need 1:1 coaching or ready-to-post content, hit reply and let’s chat!

And if you' like to book me to speak make an inquiry here :)

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