Lucky? Or Just Well-Prepared? The Secret to Success No One Talks About

Ever look at someone and think, Wow, they always seem to be in the right place at the right time?

Mar 20, 2025

Maybe it’s that effortlessly cool girl who lands every opportunity, the busy parent who somehow balances it all, or the creative who makes success look easy. It’s tempting to call it luck, but let’s be real—luck has a lot more to do with preparation than people give it credit for.

That’s where The Richest Man in Babylon comes in. This classic book breaks down how wealth and success aren’t just for the chosen few—they’re for those who prepare for them. And honestly? That applies to everything in life, not just money. Let’s talk about why preparation is the real magic behind “lucky girl syndrome” and how you can use it to set yourself up for success in work, life, and everything in between.

The Truth About "Lucky Girl Syndrome"—It's Not Just About Manifestation

Ever scroll past those TikToks where people swear by manifesting their dream life? The idea behind "lucky girl syndrome" is that if you believe good things will happen to you, they will. And sure, confidence and mindset matter, but let's not ignore the other half of the equation: preparation.

Think of the “lucky girl” (or guy, or parent, or creative) as someone who put in the work before the opportunity showed up. They applied for that dream job before it was even listed. They saved money before they needed it. They built habits before life threw curveballs. So when things align, it’s not magic—it’s strategy.

What The Richest Man in Babylon Teaches About Preparation

This book may have been written decades ago, but its advice still slaps. One of its core messages? Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter.

Take Arkad, the richest man in Babylon. He didn't wait for a lucky break; he built a system. He set aside money consistently, even when it wasn’t convenient. He made smart choices so his future self would be taken care of.

Now, swap out money for anything you’re working toward—career growth, financial freedom, a better work-life balance, building a business, or just making it through the week without feeling like a mess. The principle is the same: Preparation gives you freedom.

Preparation = Less Chaos, More Control

Let’s be real—life is unpredictable. Kids get sick, deadlines pile up, unexpected bills show up at the worst time. You can’t control everything, but you can control how prepared you are for the unexpected.

For the creatives → Prepping content in advance means you're not scrambling when inspiration runs dry.
For working moms, dads, and guardians → Having a game plan (even a loose one) for meals, schedules, and finances means fewer last-minute crises.
For essential workers → Setting up routines for rest, budgeting, and self-care makes the grind a little easier to manage.

Think of preparation like a safety net—it doesn’t stop things from going wrong, but it does make sure you don’t fall flat when they do.

Were You Lucky or Just Ready?

Ever had a moment where something amazing happened and you thought, Did I get lucky? Chances are, you didn’t just stumble into it—you set yourself up for it.

Success is when preparation and opportunity meet. That “big break” was probably years in the making. That dream trip happened because you slowly saved up. That thriving business? Built piece by piece behind the scenes.

And yeah, preparation takes patience. The Richest Man in Babylon reminds us that setting aside small amounts of money (or time, or effort) may not feel like much at first, but over time, it creates something powerful.

The Big Picture: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Whether your goal is to launch a business, save for something important, or just have a little more peace in your daily life, preparation is what makes it possible. It’s about setting up systems now that will make life easier later.

Want financial freedom? Start setting aside money now, even if it’s small.
Want a smoother daily routine? Prep the night before so your mornings don’t feel like a war zone.
Want to finally start that creative project? Block out time in your calendar and treat it like a non-negotiable meeting.

The point? Preparation isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of every "lucky" success story.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready, Stay Ready

If there’s one thing The Richest Man in Babylon teaches us, it’s that luck isn’t about waiting—it’s about preparing. The best way to create opportunities is to be ready for them when they show up.

So, whether you’re a “lucky girl,” a busy parent, a creative, or someone just trying to stay on top of life—remember this: You don’t need luck. You need a plan.

And when that plan starts paying off? People will call you lucky.

Let them. 😉