5 Lessons from a Year of Happy Accidents

It’s December, a great time to look back on the first 11 months of the year and then take the lessons we’ve learned and use them to set ourselves up for success in 2025.

With that in mind, here are the top 5 take aways for me from all the Happy Accident stories I’ve researched and interviews I’ve done in 2024:

Let's dig in, shall we?

My Top 5 Lessons From 2024

1. Embrace the Unexpected

Many Happy Accident stories highlight that some of the best outcomes stem from situations we didn’t plan for. Being open to surprises, even when they initially seem like setbacks, can reveal opportunities we would have otherwise missed.

Takeaway: Shift your mindset to see challenges as a redirection rather than a failure.

These 3 tech giants are a great example of this in action 👇

2. Bet on Yourself

A recurring theme is the power of self-belief. When people take risks—whether starting a business, pursuing a passion, or seizing an unconventional opportunity—their confidence often becomes a catalyst for success.

Takeaway: Trust your instincts and lean into your strengths, even when the path is uncertain.

Jay Clouse dives into this on the Happy Accidents podcast with me here 👇

3. Build Relationships, Not Just Networks

Several stories point to serendipitous success rooted in strong, genuine connections. Whether it’s a chance encounter or a meaningful conversation, relationships often pave the way for new possibilities.

Takeaway: Invest in authentic connections, as you never know which ones will lead to transformative opportunities.

Craig Fernandes talks about this in more depth here 👇

4. Stay Curious and Adaptable

Happy Accidents often arise when people are curious, willing to try new things, and quick to adapt when plans change. Flexibility allows you to pivot and make the most of unforeseen circumstances.

Takeaway: Cultivate curiosity and be willing to experiment, knowing it’s okay to adjust along the way.

Is there a better example of this than Sara Blakely and Spanx?

5. Small Actions Create Big Ripples

Little decisions—sending an email, attending a local event, or taking a detour—frequently have outsized impacts in these stories. Small, consistent actions can dramatically increase your “luck surface area.”

Takeaway: Take initiative, even on a small scale, and trust that incremental efforts can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Finn McKenty knows a thing or two about this 👇

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