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Introduction
What if a single movie could change your views on life, love, and luck? For me, that movie is “Forrest Gump.” In the movie, the lovable main character seems to attract good luck and experiences incredible success in his simple, spontaneous life.
So, is luck just a random coincidence, or is it something that is also shaped by our actions and how we experience the world?
In this blog, we’ll explore what good luck really means and share proven tips on how to attract good luck into your life.
We have many compelling insights to share, so let us get started!
What is considered Good Luck?
Have you ever wondered why some people seem luckier than others and are able to attract good luck? Seneca, a Roman philosopher, once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This means that by being ready and taking chances, we can create luck.
But is this always true? Does it explain why some people appear to be more fortunate than others?
In order to find that out, first we will have to look at the components that are often associated with luck.
Preparation
If success was the tip of an iceberg, preparation would be the 90%, which lies hidden below the surface. The early mornings, overcoming the fear of failure, the sacrifices, the endless hours of hard work, are all examples of preparation.
Opportunity
The metaphor “The wind that takes you home to your harbour” describes opportunity quite well. Think of the wind as the chance that moves you forward towards the harbour (a safe place, a goal or a desired outcome). So, opportunity is a chance that comes your way, for instance, a job opening at your dream company.
The Intersection (Opportunity meets Preparation)
When you are prepared and an opportunity arises, it often results in a successful outcome. So, in our example, if your preparation for the job interview was top-notch, the chances of you getting selected for the role will also be high.
The Role of Luck
Luck is tricky. It appears as a random event that often changes what happens in our lives. Sometimes, even if you prepare well, luck can still affect the outcome, either in a good or bad way.
Let us look at a few interesting examples from history to understand this.
Did you know Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin by accident when mould contaminated his experiment? Or that Percy Spencer discovered the microwave (which was later used in microwave ovens) when a chocolate bar melted in his pocket during a radar test?
Not all luck is good, though. The Apollo 13 mission faced an oxygen tank explosion. While they survived, the explosion was sheer bad luck.
Common Threads
If we examine these events, it is interesting to note some common threads.
What if Alexandar Fleming had ignored the mould? Or if Percy Spencer didn’t notice the melted chocolate in his pocket? Would they have still made breakthrough discoveries which they did? Probably not!
The same applies to the Appolo 13 mission survivors. What kept them alive, even though they were faced with some serious bad luck?
So, the common threads are quick thinking, adaptability, resilience and flexibility.
What is Luck Then?
Luck is a mix of chance and randomness. It is the things we can’t control that affect what happens. When things go our way, we call it good luck. When they don’t, it’s bad luck.
However, another thing which is evident is that luck and outcome are two different things. Luck is not in our control, but outcomes can be influenced to a great extent through our actions and decisions. In fact, our actions and our decisions are the only thing we can control, which can help us attract good luck and good fortune.
There’s no doubt that being flexible and adaptable is key to handling the cards life and luck deal us. As Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and philosopher, summed up so beautifully:
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Marcus Aurelius
The Secret Sauce for Attracting Good Luck
Imagine you are walking down a busy city street. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a street sign crashes down, landing a mere foot away from where you are standing. Phew! That was close!
You might find yourself asking, “Am I unlucky to be here at this exact moment, as I was nearly crushed by a boulder? Or am I lucky that it missed me?”
Perhaps luck is really all about perspective.
Psychologist Richard Wiseman has spent years exploring this idea. He’s studied hundreds of people who consider themselves either lucky or unlucky. From his studies, he identified what he calls the four principles of luck.
Join us as we examine these principles and discover how we can bring a little more good fortune into our lives.
Seize Every Opportunity to Attract Good Luck
Lucky individuals tend to grab more opportunities than most. Imagine someone who always finds the best deals while shopping. They probably check multiple stores and online shops to find these deals. Clearly, if you don’t do the research, you won’t find the best bargains.
So, how can you attract more good luck? Here are three effective strategies:
- Build a Strong Network: Connect with people who can alert you to new opportunities. This way, your chances of success naturally increase, right?
- Stay Flexible and Alert: Always be ready to spot chances as they arise. Adhering too strictly to your daily routine might mean missing out on good luck.
- Work on Being Outgoing: If you’re shy, like I once was, you can change that. I recall times on flights when I’d just read or listen to my favourite podcast and keep to myself. But imagine missing out on a job offer or a helpful tip from the person next to you because you didn’t strike up a conversation?
Also, adjust your body language to appear open and inviting. Try something new each week to expand both your network and experiences.
Trust Your Gut to Enhance Your Luck
Lucky people often have what I’d like to call “lucky hunches.” They trust their gut feelings, which helps them grab opportunities or steer clear of problems.
Malcolm Gladwell’s book, “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking,” explores this idea. He shows how quick, instinctive decisions can sometimes be just as good as, or even better than, well-thought-out ones.
Lucky people trust their gut feelings, whereas the less fortunate might doubt themselves—a crucial factor in both business and personal spheres.
To enhance your intuition, consider meditation and mindfulness. Studies show that people who consider themselves lucky often meditate.
Beyond its numerous benefits, meditation could be your key to becoming luckier.
Expect Good Things to Attract Good Luck
Believing in good fortune can make it a reality. If you expect positive outcomes, they are more likely to occur. So, it’s not just about thinking positively; it’s about recognizing the influence of your thoughts and beliefs.
Pessimists might obstruct their own paths to success. For example, if you believe you’ll never find the right person, you might not engage or open up in social settings. This attitude could reduce your chances of meeting someone special.
Lucky individuals push through failures. They continue to solve problems, unlike those who give up easily. So, maintain a positive mindset and persist.
To improve your outlook:
- Affirmations: Say positive affirmations daily, like "Today is filled with opportunities, and I am ready to welcome them."
- Set Positive Goals: Aim for specific, achievable goals. Rather than just wanting to be happier, plan to secure a job you love within the year.
- Visualize Success: Before an important event, visualize a favourable outcome. This can boost the likelihood of it happening.
Transform Misfortune into Fortune
Lucky people often find the upside in any scenario. They choose to see the glass half-full. Even during tough times, they find a positive twist, like getting extra exercise from a missed bus or having a breakdown near a repair shop.
So, when things go south, they seek to understand and improve for the next time. They value feedback and use it to enhance their approach.
To cultivate a more positive view:
- Look for the Silver Lining: Always try to find something positive in any situation.
- Move Past Misfortune: It’s okay to vent, but then distract yourself and move forward.
- Be Proactive in Problem Solving: Believe there’s a way to better any situation. List all possible solutions and focus on resolving the issue.
By embracing these strategies, you can significantly increase the good luck flowing into your life.
Suggested Reading
While I was digging into the details for this blog post, I stumbled upon some really fascinating articles and books. I truly think these resources could give you a much richer perspective on what we’re talking about here.
Research Articles
1. (PDF) The Psychology and Philosophy of Luck (researchgate.net)
2. How to Really Attract What You Want in Life | Psychology Today
Recommended Books
1. "Luck is No Accident: Making the Most of Happenstance in Your Life and Career" by John D. Krumboltz and Al S. Levin
2. "The Luck Factor" by Richard Wiseman
3. "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale
4. "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell
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Conclusion
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Forest Gump
In wrapping up, we have taken you through what brings good luck and shared some straightforward but powerful tips on how to draw it into your life. If you follow the tips, you’ll naturally start feeling better about yourself, your life, and your future. Over time, you will definitely notice more desirable things coming your way, and feel a lot luckier, and be able to attract good luck.
Many people have turned their luck around by practicing these principles. Luck still played a role in their lives, but their new perspective made them think and act like lucky people. If this mindset becomes your new normal, what’s the worst that could happen?
Remember, you are the author of your life story. Every day is a new page where you can shape your destiny.
Feel free to share your stories of attracting good luck in the comment box below. Your story might be the inspiration someone else needs to find their path to luck.
Sending you heaps of joy, love, and lucky vibes on your awesome journey to attract good luck and good fortune!
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