There’s a concept called Luck Surface Area coined by Jason Roberts. It’s the idea that luck isn’t entirely random. Instead, it increases as a function of two things: how much you create and how widely you share it. In other words, if you’re putting in effort and you’re letting people see the results, you’re inviting serendipity in. You’re building a bigger target for opportunity to hit.
But here’s where it gets interesting: productivity isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about doing the kinds of things that increase your surface area. Things that echo. Things that can be seen. Let’s dig in.
Productivity Isn’t the Goal — It’s the Amplifier
Think about the typical productive person. They hit inbox zero. They crank out tasks. But if all their work lives in a private Notion doc or a forgotten Google Drive, their luck surface area stays tiny. They’re essentially whispering into a pillow.
Now think about the person who ships. Posts their thoughts. Launches imperfect ideas. Emails the cold contact. Comments on someone else’s project. That person is increasing both output and exposure — the two ingredients of a larger luck surface area.
So yes, get things done. But choose the things worth doing in public. That’s how productivity compounds into unexpected outcomes: partnerships, gigs, growth, invitations, breakthroughs.
Ways to Grow a Bigger Target
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Write regularly. Share your learnings. Teach something. Make noise. Medium, LinkedIn, email — doesn’t matter where.
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Build and share prototypes. Even half-finished projects show capability and momentum.
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Ask smart questions in public. Twitter, Reddit, niche forums. Being visible is more valuable than being polished.
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Help others visibly. Give feedback, offer intros, contribute. Karma has algorithms.
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Document your process. Not just results — your way of working invites the right kind of attention.
If your work stays invisible, so do your chances.
If your name keeps showing up — for useful, meaningful, visible things — then luck has something to aim at.