The Magic of Serendipity
A Look Into James Eder's "The Collision Code"
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Serendipity can be described as encountering the right moments or connections by coincidence. However, “The Collision Code” discusses how we can not only believe and be open to those moments, but also put ourselves in a position to increase our chances of encountering them. It’s partly luck, but also partly about putting yourself in a position to receive that luck.
Reading this book reminded me of a mindset I used to embody a lot more, especially in my early twenties. It was almost like an embodied belief that I had and really worked in my favour. But overtime I lost that spark a little due to varying circumstances, and reading this book reminded me of how important those beliefs really are. Not just your hopes and desires, but also your well-being. Believing that good things are on the way, that you can set out to achieve something and put yourself in positions for alignment is an important mindset to have. Rather than having life happen to you, you’re an active participant in creatig your own destiny.
I came across this book in an almost serendipitous way - the author and I happen to be at the same book club event. I’m ashamed to say I rarely go to it, but this time it felt natural to make my way. He was looking for a few people to read his book for a review, and luckily I was one of the few he kindly gave one to. Even a brief interaction with James gave me the sense there was more to look forward to, without having read the book yet. There’s something to be said about people and the energy they give off, and reading this book just cemented that hope and magic within me a little more after that meeting.
In this email we’ll cover:
What’s New
Reflections
Insights
Closing Remarks
“The intention behind each of the stories I’ve shared is i part to give you the confidence to go out and try things yourself. So often we stop ourselves from being able to achieve or even start or do something because the lack of belief in ourselves and ultimately thinking we aren’t enough.”
- James Eder, The Collision Code
What’s New?
Book of the Week:
The Collision Code by James Eder
Personal Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre:
Autobiographical
Synopsis:
“The Collision Code” expresses the importance and magic of human connection. The author delves into moments where he’s consistently experienced serendipity, simply by being in the right places at the right time. But he also goes on to explaining that while these moments feel like chance encounters, it is also a result of making strong connections with people while actively putting yourself in the right places to meet them.
Eder takes his knowledge of what he’s learnt on his journey and encourages his readers to explore the possibilties around them too. His genuine interest in human connection is the foundation for his relationships and serendipitous moments. He not only is open to them, but sets out to make them happen, and comes from a sincere place.
There’s not only magic inn those moments but also the approach that creates that lasting impression.
Why We Love It:
Eder’s work is not only informative but shares inspirational moments-turned-advice for those of us who are looking for a little bit of magic in our own world. His story is a reminder that in the unpredictability of life, there is also so much to look forward to with a little bit of risk and human connection. There are moments to be created and connections to be made, because that’s what makes life worthwhile.
He gives his practical guidance, but reading his own story it becomes more of an insight into how that guidance can turn into a fulfilling life. So much of life’s opportunities and excitement is generated through our interactions with others. Whether we’d like to admit it or not, people are inter-dependent on each other. How we connect with one another can be a defining factor into how we evolve and where a sigificant part of our life trajectory is headed.
The author’s take on personal and professional success is rooted in his love for building human connections, whether new or building on the connections he’s made with people from years ago. It’s led to moments of serendipity, but is also a result of simply being engaged and itentional with how you approach your relationships. It’s important to note that the foundation of those interactions are rooted in sincerity - that’s an important distinction.
Key Message:
Moments can be turned into magic. When the right intentions and approach are incorporated, there are so many opportunities and doors that can open for you. You would think that perhaps someone is just lucky, but the author makes it clear that it’s potentially a bit of both luck and active engagement. Active engagement leads to possibilities and opportunities when we’re open to finding them. It simply might take a bit of courage and the willingness to move outside of your comfort zone.
The key message that I took away from this read was that you can be the creator of your own reality to some extent. You may not always be in complete control of the circumstances you’re given, but you can position yourself to live a full life by engaging in the world around you with intention. I do want to emphasise that your intentions for connection are important. Nobody wants to be approached consistently by people with parasitic intentions, however if you approach with a genuine interest in building connections, it opens up possibilities relationally.
The framework this book offers is one that many of us will need, or at the very least serves as a good reminder of how vital human conection is to our social conditioning. People at the end of the day are social people, as Eder mentions in the book, “that is how society is created.” Especially in a far leaning digital age, it’s a important reminder of what’s possible beyond the screen and sometimes our opportunities for connection and evolutionn are already in our vicinity, beyond the screen.
Quotes and Questions To Reflect On
Quote of the Week:
“I have a simple philosophy: the Collision Code. The more we connect with each other, the more good things we can make happen, together. Or, to put it i the terms we’ve been using, the more we collide, the better it gets.”
- James Eder, The Collision Code
Reflection Questions:
How much of the author’s journey resonated with your own life experiences?
What decisions that the author made did you find empowering or thought-provoking?
What aspects of the framework did you find achievable?
Did this book position our mindset to pursue connections in a more direct and personal way?
What are you hoping to accomplish now that you have additional tools to utilise from this read?
Books The Author Recommends:
The Naked Leader by David Taylor
The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Insights and Inspiration
Author Spotlight:
James Eder
Background:
James Eder is a published author, a speaker and the co-founder of Studenbeans. This book is a reflection on how he has always approached relationships, opportunities and business, which is placing importance and emphasis on human connection.
Beyond the Book:
You can find more about him on his website here.
Closing Remarks
“The Collision Code” is a reminder that human connection is the basis for our sense of fulfilment, both professionally and personally. Although much of it is autobiographical, there is also the added practical guidace that shows readers that this isn’t just a case of luck, but that we also have the power to cultivate those moments for ourselves by being open and stepping outside of our comfort zones.
Although there is so much that is outside of our control, how we approach and choose to engage with our environment can out us on a far greater trajectory than tha we perhaps perceive for ourselves at this current time. Life has the potential to be magical. It has the potential to be electric. When we fully engage and immerse ourselves in that mindset and action, there are so many opportunities for connection and momentum that could be made clear for us.
The book is a reminder to become more comfortable with what might currently be uncomfortable. Place yourself in new territory with genuine intentions. Perhaps not everyone will respond in the way that we hope they will, but there will be people that do. The goal is to build connections and thrive within them. We were designed to connect, to engage and to create. Perhaps being in alignment requires us to position ourselves first by taking those initial steps. Without at least trying, we won’t fully know.
Until Next Time!
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Keep living life on your terms.
June Tara
Creator of Spark Siren