“Most people with a big idea, great talent and/or something to say don’t get lucky at first. Or second. Or even third. It’s so easy to conclude that if you’re not lucky, you’re not good. So persistence becomes an essential element of good, because without persistence, you never get a chance to get lucky.”
Taken (borrowed) directly … word for word, from Seth Godin’s blog.
Bottom Line: Persistence is the key. The harder you work … the luckier you will be.