What is Serendipity & How to Cultivate It?

"Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needs than what you thought you were looking for." ~ Lawrence Block

"I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along." ~ David Levithan

"Work hard, not in grunt work, but in chasing such opportunities and maximizing exposure to them. This makes living in big cities invaluable because you increase the odds of serendipitous encounters-you gain exposure to the envelope of serendipity." ~ Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Serendipity isn't just about finding a lucky four-leaf clover.

It's a positive growth mindset that allows you to stumble upon valuable things you weren't actively seeking. There are even different flavors of serendipity! Imagine being like Archimedes, unexpectedly finding a solution in the bath for a problem you've been wrestling with. Or perhaps you're like the inventor of the Post-it note, solving a problem you didn't even know existed. And then there's the thunderbolt, a completely unexpected solution that strikes you out of the blue.

So how can you cultivate more serendipity in your life?

It all starts with your attitude. Be curious and open-minded, always ready to explore new ideas and possibilities. Don't let biases hold you back. Don't underestimate the unexpected, blindly follow the crowd, or try to rationalize everything in hindsight. Instead, develop a guiding principle, a long-term curiosity that fuels your focus. Remember, serendipity takes time and perseverance. Don't get discouraged if the connections aren't immediately obvious.

Create possibilities by mixing ideas from seemingly unrelated fields.

Think about sports strategies informing business decisions, or philosophy influencing artistic expression. Network with a diverse range of people and don't hesitate to "set hooks" by sharing your interests. Collaborate with inspiring people you admire, you never know what sparks might fly.

Keep a serendipity journal

To solidify these connections, keep a serendipity journal (a notes app like Standard Notes works too!). Before you know it, you'll have your own personal database of ideas, your own system of note-taking and personal knowledge management for research, study, and writing, a Zettelkasten. Reflect on unexpected events, jot down ideas, and trust that these seemingly random entries might resonate later.

Finally, take care of yourself!

Maintaining good mental and physical health is crucial for the focus and perseverance needed to cultivate serendipity. While genetics might play a small role, it's the people you surround yourself with, the situations you encounter, and the resources you have access to that truly create fertile ground for serendipitous moments. Imagine a student athlete with a supportive coach, quality training facilities, and talented teammates. These factors combine to increase their chances of experiencing serendipity in their sport.

Embracing a curious mind

By embracing a curious mind and fostering unexpected connections, you can increase the number of serendipitous moments in your life. These moments can lead to exciting new opportunities and pave the way for unforeseen successes. So open your mind, embrace the unexpected, and watch as serendipity unfolds!