A few days ago, Canada pulled off a thrilling overtime win against Team USA in the international tournament final. It was one of those moments that reminds you why we love sports—speed, precision, and clutch execution when it matters most.
Some might look at the final goal and say, “Wow, what a lucky bounce!” But anyone who’s played hockey knows the truth: that goal wasn’t luck—it was the result of positioning, recognizing the opportunity, and executing under pressure.
And that’s exactly how success works in life, too.
I've been playing hockey for over 30 years, and one thing the game has taught me is that success isn’t random. The best players, just like the most successful people in business, don’t just get lucky—they put themselves in a position where luck finds them.
That’s why I use a simple framework to think about engineered success: PLA – Position, Luck, Action.
1. Position – Set Yourself Up to Win
In hockey, the best players don’t just chase the puck. They position themselves ahead of the play so that when the moment comes, they’re exactly where they need to be.
The same principle applies in life.
Want to advance in your career? Develop the right skills before the opportunity comes.
Want to grow your business? Build relationships and credibility so people think of you first.
Want to succeed at anything? Put yourself in situations where luck can find you.
You can’t control when luck arrives, but you can control how prepared you are to take advantage of it.
Example: The "Overnight Success" That Took 10 Years
People love to talk about companies that "came out of nowhere" and suddenly made millions. The reality? Most overnight successes took a decade of positioning.
Founders spend years learning, networking, and building before their big break happens. The moment luck knocks, they’re already standing at the door.
2. Luck – Recognize the Opportunity
Luck exists. But luck alone doesn’t make winners—recognizing luck and seizing it does.
Two players can be in the same game, in the same moment:
One sees the perfect pass coming and positions themselves to take the shot.
The other skates past it, completely unaware they just missed their chance.
Same opportunity, different outcomes.
Luck is about being aware—seeing the opening, knowing when to move, and having the courage to take action.
Example: The Open Pass in Overtime
In Canada’s recent OT win, Connor McDavid scored the OT goal by being in the right position and ready to accept the quick pass from the corner, demonstrating how preparation meets opportunity. It was a perfect mix of preparation and execution—players putting themselves in the right spots, reading the ice, and taking advantage of a moment when it mattered most.
That’s how life works. Some people spend years waiting for a “lucky break” and never see it. Others? They recognize luck and capitalize.
3. Action – Take the Shot
Positioning and luck mean nothing if you don’t take action.
How many times have you seen a player hesitate on an open net? Or a business owner overthink an opportunity until it’s gone?
In the end, it’s the players who take the shot that score.
Example: The Business Deal That Almost Didn’t Happen
A startup founder meets an investor at a conference. That’s luck.
They recognize the opportunity and pitch their business. That’s action.
The investor funds their company. That’s success.
But if that founder had hesitated? The opportunity would have passed.
You can’t score if you don’t shoot.
PLA the Game and Win
Success isn’t a lottery. It’s not something you passively wait for.
It’s something you PLA.
Position yourself well.
Recognize luck when it happens.
Take decisive action.
If you master these three things, you won’t need to rely on luck—luck will find you.
How Are You PLA-ing the Game?
Take a moment to reflect:
Are you in the right position to attract opportunities?
Do you recognize luck when it appears?
Are you ready to act when the moment arrives?
Drop a comment and let me know—where do you need to focus most? Position, Luck, or Action?
(And if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.)
Shaune Reynolds