“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Perhaps you’ve looked at someone who seems to be succeeding and thought, “Oh he or she is just lucky,” meaning things come easier to some people. It could be comforting to think that some people are born lucky and the rest of us have to struggle, whether it is with weight or with work or any other challenging situation. But researchers say that while there is such a thing as a “lucky” person, anyone can take on the same attributes of these lucky ones and create a more fortunate life.
5 Tips to Make Your Own Luck
Researchers had individuals walk down a sidewalk where money had been placed on the ground. Those who thought of themselves as lucky noticed the money and those who considered themselves unlucky walked right by it. The lucky ones were simply more attuned to opportunity.
1. Be Open
Lucky people are more spontaneous and open to possibility. After all, if you always do the same thing, how could the results ever change? Be open to transformation and maximize opportunity when it comes along. Pay attention to what’s going on around you.
2. Be Positive
Lucky people see the positive in situations. Sometimes luck is just a matter of perspective. If you focus on the negative, you’ll internalize failure and expect more of the same. But if you find a way to see the good in any situation, you’ll expect more positive outcomes. If the situation is the same, and you only change the way you see it, what does that actually do? The more you believe in the possibility of success, the more you will be willing to take a risk. Since success is a numbers game, you increase your possiblity of winning the more you try.
3. Be Persistent
Lucky people try more, and don’t let failure hold them back. Often the fear of failure is more harmful than failure itself. Have the confidence to take a risk. You are stronger and more resilient than you may realize. Sometimes the only thing holding you back from achieving a goal is not trying. How do you get something you want? You have to ask for it.
Failures? The microwave, vaccinations, X-rays, the birth control pill, penicillin and Post-it® notes were all results of failed attempts.
4. Be Mindful
Researchers suggest that simply keeping a diary of positive events can help you channel your luck. The more you see examples of good things that happen to you, the more you start to expect the same. And those around you will respond to your positivity. Lucky people are aware of patterns in life and adjust their actions accordingly. If you seem to keep failing in the same way, be aware of what you can do to change the pattern and the outcome.
5. Be Connected
Lucky people interact with the world, because that is how you create opportunities. A chance meeting could set the stage for you to reap rewards down the road. Be social, stay in touch with people. You never know what opportunites could develop.