Let me first share some examples of each, and then I’ll share some thoughts on this.

When Michael Jordan shoots a ball and it makes it in the hoop, that’s deliberate success. He’s practiced the skill a million times before.

When I shoot a ball and it makes it in the hoop, that’s accidental success. Anyone familiar with my basketball skills will concur.

Sticky notes were an accidental success. The engineer who created it didn’t set out to make sticky notes. He accidentally discovered a glue that you could use to stick and peel, many times over.

Berkshire Hathaway is a deliberate success.

So, what’s the difference between the two?

One requires planning, hard work, and determination. Other is a pleasant surprise.

One can be replicated many times, in any field(s) of your choosing. Other offers no such guarantee.