The "Lucky" Mindset: How to Make Your Own Luck
There are two types of people in the world: those who consider themselves "unlucky" and those who proudly claim to be "lucky." If you’re in the "unlucky" camp, it might be time to rethink that label. Luck isn't something you're born with—it's a mindset you cultivate. And the best part? This mindset is entirely within your control. It’s all about the choices you make, starting with the thoughts you choose each morning. Seeing a pattern here? Everything, including luck, stems from the mindset you embrace.
If you’re already shaking your head in disagreement, chances are you’ve blamed bad luck for at least one inconvenience in your life. The truth is, "unlucky" people and "blamers" often go hand in hand.
The Science Behind Luck: An Experiment in Mindset
Richard Wiseman, a British psychology professor at the University of Hertfordshire, conducted a fascinating study on luck and its role in our lives. His research revealed that people who consider themselves "lucky" score significantly higher in extroversion—they smile more often and engage in more eye contact. Their sociability increases their opportunities for "luck" because they’re more likely to meet new people, build stronger relationships, and encounter unexpected opportunities.
On the flip side, "unlucky" people tend to score higher in neuroticism. They’re often more anxious, which leads to tunnel vision—particularly when it comes to goals and careers. This tunnel vision can cause them to miss out on exciting opportunities because they’re too consumed by worry. As the beloved character Newt Scamander from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them wisely said, "My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice." Worry doesn’t change the outcome, but it can certainly cloud your ability to see new opportunities.
Wiseman’s study also included an experiment that’s particularly telling. Participants were given a newspaper and asked to count the number of photographs inside. The "unlucky" participants took about two minutes to complete the task, while the "lucky" ones took only a few seconds. Why? On the second page, there was a large message that read, "Stop counting. There are 43 photographs in this newspaper." The "unlucky" people missed the message, while the "lucky" ones spotted it right away.
The takeaway? Those who consider themselves lucky are more observant, more open to opportunities, and more likely to maintain positive expectations—even in difficult situations. In contrast, "unlucky" people often focus on the negative and overlook the positives right in front of them.
But here’s the kicker: this isn’t about actual luck—it’s about mindset. And yes, you can absolutely cultivate a "lucky" mindset with a little daily practice.
How to Cultivate Your Own Luck
Despite what you may have heard, increasing your luck doesn’t require capturing a leprechaun or chasing rainbows. It’s about adopting a mindset that’s open to possibilities and focused on positivity. Here are some tips to help you start cultivating your own luck:
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Keep an Open Mind: We’re all about focusing on your goals, but be careful not to get tunnel vision when it comes to the "how." Stay flexible and open to different opportunities. Sometimes, the answer you’re looking for is right beside you, not directly in front. The truth is, you’ll only absorb what you’re ready to take in. Practice having an open mind and being available to learn and grow.
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Practice Gratitude: Staying positive doesn’t mean you’re always happy or that everything in your life is going according to plan. It means knowing that better days are coming and finding a sense of hope or gratitude in every moment. Gratitude can shift your perspective, making you more aware of the opportunities around you and less focused on the things that aren’t going well.
Conclusion: Your Luck is in Your Hands
Luck isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you create. By cultivating an open mind and practicing gratitude, you can start to see the opportunities that "unlucky" people miss. Remember, the difference between lucky and unlucky often comes down to how you choose to approach life. So, next time you face a challenge, ask yourself: How can I make the most of this situation? With the right mindset, you can turn every moment into an opportunity for luck.