Time Management and The Luck of the Irish

With St. Patrick’s Day landing on a Friday, there will most likely be a few more St. Paddy’s celebrations than usual. You’ll also probably here an often-uttered phrase:

the luck of the Irish

The word “luck” is sometimes used to describe how a person lands a successful job or manages difficult situations with finesse or finds ways to excel in both their professional and personal life.

But is it really luck?

Or is it hard work? Determination? Making it a priority to assess, plan and reevaluate?

The same goes for time management. Implementing time management strategies and tactics isn’t a matter of luck. It’s about determining what your personal and professional missions in life are and basing your decisions to take action or inaction on how the progress toward your missions will be affected. That’s not luck. It’s about knowing what you want and taking intentional steps to make it happen.

According to various Irish cultural organizations, the phrase “luck of the Irish” was used as a demeaning way to explain how the Irish got jobs, ran successful businesses or produced quality products. This couldn’t possibly have been the result of the Irish having brains or a strong work ethic, so it must have been pure luck.

I’d call that bollocks.

This St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy celebrating the Irish culture! Toast to and honor the death of St. Patrick. Display that shamrock to represent the rebirth of spring! Beware of leprechauns and their trickery!

And be intentional about creating time to enjoy this fun holiday! Because that won’t happen just by pure luck.

For more strategies and tips on how to live life with purpose, on purpose (and not relying just on luck), take a peek at The Inefficiency Assassin: Time Management Tactics for Working Smarter, Not Longer.