Summary

The author, P.G. Barnett, reflects on the concept of "opposite luck," where life's outcomes often contradict personal desires but align with what one truly needs, as illustrated through his own experiences.

Abstract

P.G. Barnett introduces the "Theory of Opposite Luck," which suggests that people frequently receive what they need rather than what they want. He recounts his life, filled with unfulfilled dreams of fame and sports, and how he ended up in I/T after joining the military, despite his passion for writing. Despite his efforts to become a writer, Barnett found himself in various I/T roles, which he did not initially desire. He acknowledges the blessings in his life, such as a loving family and a stable career, but continues to strive for his true aspiration of being a full-time writer. The essay concludes with Barnett's gratitude for his life's path and a hopeful outlook that his writing dreams may still be realized.

Opinions

The author believes in a life principle where one often ends up with outcomes that are the opposite of their desires, yet beneficial in the long run.
Barnett uses his personal story to illustrate the theory, indicating a sense of resignation to the unexpected turns in his career.
Despite the success in his I/T career, there is an underlying tone of disappointment for not achieving his dream of becoming a writer earlier in life.
The author expresses gratitude for the positive aspects of his life, such as family and personal achievements, while still yearning for his passion in writing.
Barnett humorously compares his frustration with not achieving his writing goals to a child's tantrum over not getting desired treats.
He remains optimistic, suggesting that persistence in writing might eventually lead to his desired outcome, albeit with a hint of apprehension about the potential consequences of achieving his dream.

The Theory Of Opposite Luck

The art of never getting what you actually want but always getting what you really need

Ah, the theory of opposite luck. So many of us have it and so few of us understand what it really is. How many of us remember the line of the old Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones song, You Can’t Always Get What You Want?

No, you can’t always get what you want You can’t always get what you want You can’t always get what you want But if you try sometime you find You get what you need

This, my friends, is the fundamental basis of the theory of opposite luck. Opposite luck is exactly what the two words imply. Something that takes place which is probably good for you but usually the very last thing you actually want.

Using myself as an example, I’ll show you what I mean.

As a youngun growing up I wanted to be an actor, rock guitarist, drummer, lead singer, professional baseball player, basketball player, football star.

Yeah, I figured in those days if I cast a big enough net, I was bound to at least achieve one of those wants. Did any of those dreams ever materialize? Not a single one of them. Instead, the theory of opposite luck kicked in and I ended up being an average kid, doing average things, trying all things, and yet never excelling in any one thing.

Next was college, which as poor as my family was, wasn’t going to happen. So I figured the best way for me to get that vaulted degree was to join the military and let dear old Uncle Sam pay for my college.

After four years and several tours abroad, I got my honorable discharge from the Air Force. Did I take with me a college education? Nope, but let’s not forget the theory of opposite luck.

Somewhere along the way, it had kicked in during my time in the service because I’d spent all four years in the military training and practicing as an I/T communications specialist.

Did I want to be an I/T geek? Uh, not really. At that time in my life, I really didn’t have my sights set on anything solid except I wanted to write stories since I’d been doing that since I was twelve years old.

Back then I toyed with the idea of being a writer until the theory of opposite luck kicked in once again. Instead of pursuing a writing career, I put what I’d learned in the military to good use. I started working for an electronics company that just happened to sell computers.

Instead of being a writer I became an I/T geek selling and servicing computers. Who would have thought?

The theory of opposite luck continued to grant me things I never really thought I wanted as I sped through life — getting married, having a family, and bouncing from I/T job to I/T job. I never wanted to become an I/T project manager. I wanted to be a writer, but the theory of opposite luck had other plans for me. And try as hard as I often did to go another direction, to become a writer, the theory of opposite luck has so far, never granted my one true desire.

To make my living as a writer.

You see, I did try really hard. I am trying really hard, but as Mick Jagger crooned I can’t always get what I want, but if I try sometimes I may just get what I need.

Thus, the theory of opposite luck.

I’ve gotten what I need all my life. And I for one am growing weary of the theory of opposite luck always kicking in and me never getting what I actually want.

So, here’s where you get to imagine me stamping my foot like a petulant four-year-old who’s been told to eat their spinach when all they want is chocolate chip cookies.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am a writer. I’ve been writing for the past fifty-five years. I’ve written four books and published three. I’ve actively written and posted daily here for almost three years. I dare say, all told, I’ve written over a million words.

But I’m still a practicing I/T project manager, working for an aerospace manufacturing plant deemed essential and allowed to stay open. Until that changes, and it may very soon change with this pandemic of ours in full swing, the theory of opposite luck has me making the majority of this family’s income as an I/T project manager.

Not as a writer. Never as a writer.

So, here’s where you get to imagine me stamping my foot like a petulant four-year-old who’s been told to eat their spinach when all they want is chocolate chip cookies.

Would you like a little cheese with that whine P.G.?

Honestly though, I’m grateful for what I have. The theory of opposite luck has enabled me the opportunity to marry a wonderful woman who I love and who has loved me back all these years. Together, we’ve raised four beautiful daughters and are the proud grandparents of seven simply delightful grandchildren. I’ve got an old roof over this old head of mine, and I get to eat enough of the food I like that always gives me heartburn or gas.

As Joe Walsh once crooned, “life’s been good to me so far.”

After six-seven years of dealing with the theory of opposite luck, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be around a bit, offering me what I really need to live a full and rewarding life. And maybe, just maybe, if I try really hard and continue to write I’ll actually get what I’ve always wanted.

I just hope I won’t end up regretting getting what I wished for.

Thank you so much for reading. You didn’t have to, but I’m certainly glad you did.

Let’s keep in touch: [email protected]