Was it luck, manifestation, or grit?
When preparation meets opportunity, incredible things can happen.
Last weekend was one of those unforgettable moments that will live rent-free in my head forever. It felt like a dream, a “first time” experience that I hadn't had in ages.
So, let me take you back. Remember how I recently started a new venture creating content about Formula 1? I launched an Instagram account in January to explore a completely new industry for me. My goal was, and still is, to grow this venture over the next few years. By 2026, I aim to be in a position where I get hired to create content at the first-ever Madrid Grand Prix.
This upcoming circuit in Spain excites me not just because it's new, but because it's happening in my home country and the city that raised me. I set this goal to have something to strive towards, while also working to seize other opportunities along the way.
Here’s where the story gets interesting
It’s only been five months since I started this venture, and I've already had an incredible opportunity that I thought would take much longer to achieve. I got access to the paddock and pit boxes of the F1 supporting events at the Barcelona Grand Prix!
For those who might not know, the “paddock and pit boxes” are the working areas and garages where drivers and teams spend their time on the circuit during a race weekend. The “F1 supporting events” include lower-tier categories of F1 for younger and female drivers aspiring to get a seat in F1, such as F2, F3, and the F1 Academy.
Although I didn’t get access to the F1 paddock and pit boxes, being able to access the supporting events' working areas was mind-blowing. It was my first backstage experience at a race, and everything was thrilling. What excited me most was getting access to the female drivers' series, the F1 Academy. I felt like a child in Disneyland. Plus, I captured moments that will make incredibly valuable content for my account.
So, how did I get there?
Was it luck, manifestation, or grit? Honestly, it was a bit of all three. It all started with luck. I won this access through a contest on Instagram by simply commenting on a post. Among thousands of participants, I was the only winner. That's luck, right?
But had I not manifested my deep interest in experiencing these kinds of things for my professional goals earlier in the year, I would have never followed the account that posted the contest or participated in it. So, there’s definitely some manifestation involved.
Finally, grit is the motor of my life. Without it, I wouldn't have set a clear goal for this new career path or taken the risk to pursue it. Grit has to be accounted for in this equation as well.
We can take luck out of the equation, but without manifestation and grit, I wouldn't be able to achieve my goals. Luck might have played a role in this instance, but luck has to find you working, like inspiration. I was ready to take advantage of it.
After winning the contest, I geared up with a ton of gadgets to be fully prepared for the weekend. Even though I wasn't creating content for a client, I was determined to make the most of it for my own account. So, I prepared thoroughly. When I arrived, they handed me the passes and said, "Off you go, enjoy!" And that's exactly what I did. I explored every corner, talked to people, and captured tons of content. I made valuable contacts that could be helpful along the way or provide information for my content pieces, which is already very helpful.
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Your readiness and determination make the difference
In the end, this experience reminded me of the importance of being prepared and staying committed to my goals. Opportunities can come unexpectedly, but when they do, it's your readiness and determination that make the difference.
I was lucky, but I was prepared to make the most out of it to help me achieve my professional goals.
So, keep working towards your dreams, manifest your goals, and embrace every bit of luck that comes your way. Because when preparation meets opportunity, incredible things can happen.
Have you ever had a situation where readiness and determination were crucial when an unexpected opportunity came your way? Let me know in the comments!
-Sabrina
P.S. I’m going to have a busy summer with lots of travels and the need to prioritize. In this instance, I’m going to prioritize resting and work that pays the bills, so this newsletter might not be updated as often as usual. I will write when I can and when I have something interesting to share. So enjoy the summer (if you’re in the same hemisphere as me) and see you soon!
🙋♀️ Before you go!!
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⚡️About Sabrina Bonini
Sabrina Bonini is a content specialist, writer, and educator who thrives as a multi-passionate solopreneur. She’s currently creating content about Web3, new technologies, and Formula 1.
On a personal level, Sabrina writes the weekly publication ✍️ Diary of a Modern Solopreneur, bringing readers along on her solopreneur journey and sharing insights and lessons in hopes of empowering others on the same path.
When she’s not busy typing away, she’s picking up new hobbies, indulging her curiosity, or playing hide-and-seek with her fluffy cat. Discover more about her work and connect with her on LinkedIn.
So cool!!