Between the origin and the destination, shortcuts are an oasis in the desert. They’re a sleight of hand. A prestige.
Luck is a tailwind. It’s a cloud when the sun is hottest. A mist when the climate is driest.
When you take shortcuts, you wind up needing to start over again and retracing steps. Shortcuts require you alter your course. They’re a distraction from the end goal.
When luck shows up, it enhances what you’re already doing. It’s encouragement to keep moving boldly ahead. It’s unexpected and welcome.
Neither luck nor shortcuts are dependable.
When you set out to do something, it’s not so crazy to believe you might get lucky, but watch out for shortcuts.