KATHMANDU: Across the world, the concepts of luck and labour have always been central to discussions about success and achievement. Some people believe that attaining a desired goal or level of success is primarily a matter of luck, while others argue that it is the result of hard work.

Pure materialists tend to value effort, dedication, and labour more, whereas fatalists place greater importance on fortune. This debate has persisted for centuries, with neither side achieving a definitive victory. However, many understand that luck and labour are deeply interconnected—labour often creates the conditions in which luck can flourish.

Labour can be defined as the physical or mental effort applied to accomplish a task or goal. It goes far beyond mere participation; it demands dedication, passion, patience, and—above all—consistency.

Those who commit themselves to hard work understand that the path to success is rarely smooth. It requires time, sacrifice, and the resilience to overcome repeated failures.

At times, people may become disillusioned and feel tempted to quit. Labour can be classified into various categories based on the nature of the work, skill level, sector, degree of autonomy, and more.

Yet one thing remains constant across all forms: the need for genuine effort, focused dedication, and a strong commitment to growth and development.

One of the biggest challenges in today’s competitive world is the desire for quick success. Many people want to reach the top without putting in the necessary effort, hoping instead to get “lucky” or have opportunities fall into their laps. However, this expectation often leads to disappointment because luck—unlike labour—is rare and unpredictable.

Luck may favor someone once or twice in a lifetime, or perhaps not at all, but it cannot be relied upon consistently. The truth is, few people have the patience and passion to work steadily without expecting immediate rewards or depending on chance. This brings us to the heart of the labour vs. luck debate.

On one side are those who believe that luck is the main factor behind success. They argue that luck can open doors, create opportunities, and sometimes even determine the final outcome with minimal effort. On the other side are those who firmly believe that labour is the true key to achievement.

They maintain that hard work, skill development, and relentless effort lay the foundation for lasting success. While both perspectives hold some truth, both evidence and experience show that labour holds greater power in shaping outcomes.

Luck is often described as something that happens “once in a blue moon”—rare, fleeting, and beyond our control. It is external, influenced by circumstances that individuals cannot predict or influence. In contrast, labour is entirely within a person’s control.

It can be nurtured, refined, and applied consistently over time. It is the consistent application of effort that transforms raw talent into skill and ideas into tangible achievements. Labour builds opportunities by developing abilities, credibility, knowledge, and resilience.

Without labour, even the luckiest opportunities cannot be seized or sustained. Success built on hard work and perseverance endures, while success built solely on luck remains unstable and short-lived.

A person who rises through consistent effort is more likely to maintain their position, while someone who relies only on luck may find themselves celebrated one day and sidelined the next.

It’s important to acknowledge that sometimes, even with our best efforts, obstacles arise and success does not come as quickly or easily as expected. In such situations, we must accept that luck can play a role.

Failure and setbacks are part of the journey, and we shouldn’t deny that fortune can sometimes influence outcomes in unexpected ways. However, those who approach their goals with patience and dedication are more likely to achieve long-term success.

In reality, the path to success is rarely a straight line. It is a winding road filled with trials, effort, and continuous learning. It is often said, “Those who persevere through labour never truly fail.” Even in moments of defeat, people gain valuable experience and knowledge.

However, it’s also worth noting that those who rely too heavily on luck often fall behind. Lucky circumstances may bring temporary happiness or success, but without a foundation of deep skills, solid knowledge, and consistent effort, one cannot sustain or build upon that success.

Luck may influence outcomes, but it cannot replace the importance of skill, discipline, and wise decision-making. Luck is contingent—it may occasionally favor an individual, but hard work empowers them and enables meaningful progress.

The real challenge lies in maintaining the patience and perseverance that consistent labour demands. In a world driven by instant gratification, it is easy to lose motivation when results are not immediately visible. Many give up too soon, hoping for a shortcut or relying on chance.

Yet, the old adage “try and try until you succeed” still holds true. Life is a continuous process of attempts, failures, and renewed efforts. Those who understand this principle recognize that success is far less about luck and far more about relentless effort.

Labour is also closely tied to a person’s values, beliefs, and ethics. Those who believe in honest work often encounter more obstacles, requiring even greater determination to succeed. Nonetheless, it is this honesty and commitment that make their journey worthwhile and their achievements more meaningful.

Another essential element is the mindset we adopt toward labour and luck. Labour is empowering—it gives people a sense of agency and control over their futures. Even when luck is uncertain, labour encourages deliberate action toward one’s goals.

It fosters growth, knowledge, wisdom, and resilience. Focusing on labour may not always yield immediate success, but it builds character and capability.

Over time, it creates a strong foundation that enables individuals to recognize and seize opportunities when luck does show up.

For those ready to embrace labour, it’s important to understand that patience is just as important as passion. Success rarely comes overnight. It often requires long-term commitment, sometimes spanning years. That’s why many successful individuals emphasize the value of enduring hard times, overcoming doubts, and pressing forward without giving up. Labour isn’t just about physical or mental exertion—it’s about nurturing a mindset of perseverance and purpose.

In conclusion, luck may play a part in shaping certain results, but it is labour that broadens possibilities and ensures lasting success. Luck is like a fleeting visitor—it may appear suddenly, but it does not stay forever. In contrast, hard work is a steady and reliable companion on the journey of life. It helps people move forward, even when faced with adversity.

Those who remain committed to hard work display patience and determination, no matter the challenges. Their strong will and dedication ultimately define their success. Even when the path is difficult and progress seems slow, they keep moving forward.

That progress, though gradual, is steady and meaningful. Therefore, we must not lose confidence or patience, because the rewards of consistent labour often exceed our expectations and can transform our lives in unimaginable ways.

While luck may bring fleeting moments of joy or opportunity, it cannot offer the lasting fulfillment that labour provides. For this reason, I firmly believe that labour is the fundamental force behind enduring success—and I place greater trust in its power than in the uncertainty of luck.