Are You Lucky? Exploring the Psychology and Strategy of Creating Luck
- marcvincentwest
- Mar 17
- 14 min read
Introduction
Luck is often seen as an unpredictable force, a matter of fate or coincidence. But what if luck is not entirely random? What if you could cultivate and attract it into your life? Understanding luck as something within your influence rather than a product of chance can profoundly transform how you approach opportunities and challenges.
Whether you seek professional advancement, stronger relationships, or a greater sense of possibility, this article provides actionable insights on how to take control of your luck through mindset shifts, strategic behaviours, and intentional actions.
Seneca famously stated, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." This idea forms the foundation of our exploration.
Luck is not just chance; it is the result of proactive readiness and alignment with circumstances (Seneca, Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium). By aligning your mindset, decisions, and behaviours with proven psychological principles, you can increase your ability to seize opportunities and create favourable outcomes in both your personal and professional life.
Before we continue, I must clarify that I do not believe in "luck" as a belief system. Treating luck as a force outside of personal control diminishes self-ownership, self-accountability, and agency over one's possibilities. However, for the purpose of this article, we will use the term "luck" with the understanding that it is self-created rather than something found at the end of a rainbow.
Research supports the idea that luck is not purely random. Psychologist Richard Wiseman conducted extensive studies showing that individuals who perceive themselves as lucky tend to attract positive outcomes due to specific mindsets and behaviours (Wiseman, 2003). He identified key traits among those who consistently experience "luck":
Outcome-oriented thinking
Intentionality and purposefulness
Openness to new experiences
Resilience in setbacks
Optimism and action orientation
A proactive stance toward opportunities
These characteristics reveal that luck is not a coincidence but a set of cultivated habits and psychological perspectives that can be developed. The following sections will break down how you can integrate these traits into your daily life to expand your own possibilities and create more opportunities.
The Power of Belief Systems in Shaping Reality
Our belief systems play a fundamental role in shaping how we perceive and interact with the world. They act as internal filters, determining whether we see possibilities or limitations in any given situation.
Numerous psychological studies have shown that beliefs are not just passive thoughts but active forces that influence behaviours, decisions, and ultimately, life outcomes. The way we think about ourselves, our potential, and the world around us can significantly impact our ability to recognize and seize opportunities.
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: The Science of Adaptability and Opportunity
Carol Dweck’s research on mindset (Dweck, 2006) reveals the profound difference between individuals who adopt a fixed mindset versus a growth-oriented mindset. These two perspectives shape how people approach challenges, setbacks, and opportunities.
Fixed mindset individuals believe that intelligence, talent, and abilities are static traits. They see challenges as threats to their competence and often avoid them for fear of failure. They also tend to attribute success or failure to external factors, such as luck or innate talent, rather than effort and learning. As a result, they may dismiss opportunities that require them to step outside their comfort zone, reinforcing a cycle of limitation and stagnation.
Growth-oriented individuals, on the other hand, believe that intelligence, skills, and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. They see failures as stepping stones rather than permanent roadblocks. This belief fosters resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to challenges. Instead of avoiding risks, they embrace them as opportunities for growth. Over time, this mindset enables them to take on new challenges, expand their skill sets, and position themselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
A growth mindset is more than just a way of thinking, it directly influences behaviour. When people believe they can improve, they actively seek out ways to do so, whether through education, networking, or skill development. This self-directed evolution creates more opportunities than those who passively wait for luck to intervene.
The Role of Optimism in Expanding Possibilities
Barbara Fredrickson’s research on positive psychology and the broaden-and-build theory (Fredrickson, 2001) provides further insight into how optimism shapes perception and behaviour. She found that positive emotions expand cognitive and behavioural tendencies, leading people to explore, innovate, and act in ways that they would not when operating from a negative or fear-based mindset.
Individuals who adopt an optimistic outlook tend to:
Notice more opportunities because they are mentally open to new possibilities.
Engage in proactive behaviour rather than remaining passive or resigned to their circumstances.
Bounce back from setbacks faster, ensuring that challenges do not derail their long-term progress.
Foster stronger social connections, which leads to more opportunities through networking, collaboration, and mutual support.
Optimistic individuals are also more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour that is calculated and intentional, rather than avoidance-driven or reckless. This is crucial because taking risks, when done strategically, often leads to unanticipated breakthroughs and new opportunities.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecies and the Law of Expectation
Another psychological principle that plays a role in luck and opportunity creation is the self-fulfilling prophecy. Research suggests that what we expect to happen influences our behaviours, which in turn shapes our outcomes.
This is where the Law of Attraction, though often misrepresented, aligns with actual psychological and behavioural principles. The real mechanism behind it is the effect of expectation on action. When individuals believe they are capable, competent, and deserving of success, they behave in ways that increase their likelihood of success, nothing magical here, just the mere process of taking actions on your outcomes is going to create greater possibilities.
For example:
Someone who believes they are lucky and capable will naturally take more initiative, leading to greater exposure to opportunities.
Someone who expects to fail or be unlucky will behave more hesitantly, likely avoiding risks that could have led to success.
Someone who expects positive interactions with people will exude confidence and warmth, attracting better relationships and professional opportunities.
This concept is supported by research on expectancy theory, which suggests that motivation and behaviour are influenced by what individuals believe will happen (Vroom, 1964). If someone believes they will succeed, they are more likely to take the necessary actions to make it happen. Conversely, if they believe failure is inevitable, they may self-sabotage through inaction or avoidance, proving their negative expectation correct.
How Mindset Creates Luck Through Action
The common thread between a growth mindset, optimism, and positive expectations is that they drive behaviour in a way that creates more opportunities. This is why people who perceive themselves as lucky are often simply those who adopt mindsets and behaviours that lead to better outcomes.
They position themselves for success through effort, learning, and adaptability.
They recover quickly from setbacks, ensuring that failure does not define their trajectory.
They take strategic risks and act on opportunities, rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
They engage with the world, building relationships and exposing themselves to a wider range of potential opportunities.
In essence, luck is not a force that randomly selects people. It is an outcome that emerges from a combination of beliefs, actions, and readiness to seize opportunities. By cultivating a growth-oriented mindset, optimism, and a proactive approach to life, individuals can dramatically increase their ability to create and capitalize on their own luck.
Identity Alignment: Integrity of Self and Action
Authenticity plays a vital role in creating favourable conditions. Brené Brown’s extensive research on vulnerability and authenticity emphasizes that living authentically, acting in alignment with one's true self and core values, creates deeper, more meaningful connections and fosters genuine interactions (Brown, 2012). When an individual's actions consistently align with their core values and authentic self, they not only build trust and credibility but also position themselves to attract opportunities aligned with their true passions and abilities.
Psychologist Carl Rogers also highlighted the concept of congruence, the harmony between one's inner self and outward behaviour, as crucial for psychological well-being and success (Rogers, 1961). Congruent individuals experience reduced internal conflict, greater emotional stability, and enhanced clarity in decision-making, making them more attractive collaborators and trustworthy partners. This alignment often leads to advantageous situations perceived as "luck."
Additionally, research in organizational psychology supports that authenticity fosters stronger professional networks, increased job satisfaction, and improved performance. Authentic leaders and team members attract supportive relationships and collaborative opportunities that enhance their professional and personal growth, thereby actively shaping a more fortunate environment.
In essence, identity alignment, being true to oneself and ensuring actions reflect inner values, not only enhances interpersonal dynamics but also systematically attracts circumstances and connections beneficial for sustained personal and professional success.
Actions Reflect Integrity, Not Words
Behavioural integrity, the alignment between stated values and actual behaviours, significantly influences trust, credibility, and the quality of opportunities available. Research by Tony Simons (2002) demonstrates that individuals whose actions consistently reflect their expressed values build stronger, more resilient relationships, cultivate extensive professional networks, and enjoy higher levels of interpersonal trust. These elements collectively increase access to valuable opportunities often perceived as "luck".
Further supporting this, Stephen Covey’s influential work on trust emphasizes that actions rooted in integrity produce enduring positive outcomes. Covey argues that when individuals reliably follow through on commitments, they not only enhance personal credibility but also foster environments where mutual trust and cooperation flourish (Covey, 2006). Such environments naturally present numerous opportunities, increasing the likelihood of favourable outcomes.
Moreover, integrity-driven actions foster psychological safety within groups, enhancing creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Amy Edmondson’s research highlights that psychologically safe teams, where individuals feel secure in expressing themselves authentically, experience significantly greater success and opportunity creation, reinforcing the critical role of consistent, integrity-based behaviour in attracting and cultivating luck (Edmondson, 1999).
In short, actions reflecting genuine integrity act as powerful catalysts for trust, credibility, and cooperative opportunities, creating fertile ground for perceived luck and sustained success.
The 20/80 Rule: Strategic Decision-Making
The Pareto Principle, commonly known as the 20/80 rule, suggests that roughly 20% of efforts yield 80% of outcomes (Koch, 1998). Crucially, the effectiveness of this principle significantly depends on where we place our attention. Outcomes differ dramatically based on whether our attention is oriented toward purposeful, intentional results or toward reactively fixing problems.
My theory expands upon previous discussions of the 20/80 rule by highlighting the critical role of positive, intentional energy focused on clearly defined outcomes. When we frame situations as opportunities to achieve specific outcomes rather than reactively attempting to fix problems, we significantly enhance our likelihood of success. Focusing on problems often leads us into repetitive cycles of inefficient actions that merely perpetuate the issue, whereas intentional outcome orientation channels our actions toward productive and effective solutions.
The Journey
Consider an illustrative scenario: A young professional faces a cancelled flight on the day of an important interview. His experience splits into two outcomes based on his mindset and focus.
In the first scenario, adopting a proactive and positive outcome-oriented mindset, he promptly seeks alternatives by engaging constructively with airline staff, securing an alternative flight, and effectively communicating with the interviewers.
His proactive approach results in successfully rescheduling the interview, receiving positive recognition for his professionalism, and ultimately, preserving his opportunity.
In contrast, his reactive self-fixates on the inconvenience of the cancelled flight, wasting valuable time worrying and delaying action. By the time he reacts negatively and confronts airline representatives, optimal alternatives have disappeared, severely limiting his options and negatively impacting his professional standing.
This scenario underscores the importance of intentionally directing attention toward outcomes rather than problems. Focusing on outcomes ensures our actions align directly with achieving clear goals, whereas a problem-oriented approach often perpetuates cycles of worry and ineffective actions, diminishing potential success.
In essence, purposeful and intentional focus creates an entirely different set of actions, leading directly to beneficial outcomes. This approach transforms problems into opportunities and ensures that our energy and resources align precisely with strategic goals.
Recognizing Intrinsic Motivations and Sabotage Patterns
Self-awareness is crucial for cultivating luck. Daniel Goleman’s research on emotional intelligence emphasizes that a deep understanding of one's intrinsic motivations and recognizing patterns of self-sabotaging behaviours significantly enhances an individual's capacity to navigate life’s complexities and capitalize effectively on opportunities (Goleman, 1995).
Individuals often experience internal conflicts arising from competing motivations, typically driven by their adult, adolescent, and child ego states as explained by transactional analysis (Berne, 1964). The adult ego state, characterized by rational, objective thinking, leads individuals to intentional, outcome-focused behaviours. Conversely, adolescent and child ego states tend to drive impulsivity, emotional reactions, and defensive behaviours, often leading to self-sabotage and missed opportunities.
Coping patterns influenced by adolescent and child egos frequently manifest as avoidance, procrastination, and impulsive reactions, undermining strategic actions and clear decision-making. These ego states often arise from deeply ingrained, emotional triggers and learned behaviours developed in early life, resulting in habitual patterns that derail purposeful efforts.
Effective self-awareness involves consciously acknowledging these internal dynamics and deliberately fostering adult ego states, rational, measured, and outcome-oriented, to guide decision-making and interactions. By consciously engaging the adult ego, individuals can more objectively evaluate situations, mitigate emotional reactivity, and redirect attention toward clearly defined outcomes rather than defaulting to less productive coping mechanisms.
Thus, developing emotional intelligence and awareness of intrinsic motivations alongside recognition of habitual sabotage patterns enables individuals to consistently align actions with their desired outcomes. This alignment significantly enhances their capacity to attract and seize favourable opportunities, thus actively contributing to their perceived "luck."
"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back".
Famous Irish Quote
Key Tips for Developing Possibilities
Expanding possibilities in life and work requires a structured approach, self-awareness, and deliberate action. Possibilities do not emerge from chance alone but from consistent engagement with opportunities, strategic thinking, and a proactive mindset. Below are ten strategies that can help create and expand possibilities in both personal and professional life.
1. Cultivate a Growth Oriented Mindset
A growth mindset is fundamental to expanding possibilities. Carol Dweck’s research highlights that individuals who believe their abilities, intelligence, and skills can be developed over time are more likely to persist through challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. People with a fixed mindset tend to avoid risks and fear failure, limiting their exposure to potential growth.
Action Tip: Actively reframe setbacks as learning experiences. Instead of thinking, "I am not good at this," try saying, "I am still learning and improving." Challenge yourself to embrace tasks outside your comfort zone and take small, deliberate steps toward personal and professional growth.
2. Strengthen Intentionality and Purposeful Action
Being intentional means taking deliberate steps toward clear and meaningful goals. Research on goal setting shows that individuals who define their objectives with specificity and clarity are far more likely to achieve them than those who operate without direction. Luck appears to favour those who know what they are working toward and take consistent action to get there.
Action Tip: Set aside time to outline your short term and long-term goals. Break them into smaller, actionable steps and hold yourself accountable by reviewing progress regularly. Rather than waiting for the right moment, take the next available step, no matter how small, to move forward.
3. Expand Your Exposure to New Experiences
Richard Wiseman’s research on luck perception found that people who expose themselves to diverse experiences and interactions are more likely to recognize and seize opportunities. Staying in a fixed routine or environment reduces the likelihood of discovering something new or unexpected.
Action Tip: Introduce variety into your daily activities. Attend events outside your industry, explore different perspectives, or take up a new hobby. The more experiences you engage with, the more opportunities you create for unexpected possibilities.
4. Leverage Strategic Networking and Relationships
Research on social capital suggests that the strength of one’s professional and personal network directly correlates with access to opportunities. Luck is often a byproduct of being in the right circles and maintaining strong, authentic connections.
Action Tip: Make a habit of reaching out to new contacts or reconnecting with past acquaintances. Build relationships with individuals who challenge your thinking and offer fresh insights. Be open to collaborations and shared learning, as these can lead to unexpected opportunities.
5. Develop Emotional Intelligence and Self Awareness
Understanding how emotions influence behaviour is critical for expanding possibilities. Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence shows that self-awareness helps individuals navigate challenges, build resilience, and maintain positive relationships. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in decision making, adaptability, and personal growth.
Action Tip: Practice self-reflection by journaling thoughts and emotions. Identify patterns in reactions and decision making, and work on improving emotional responses to difficult situations. By increasing self-awareness, it becomes easier to recognize and act on new opportunities.
6. Train Yourself to Spot Patterns and Weak Signals
Many opportunities arise from recognizing patterns before they become obvious to others. Kahneman and Tversky’s research on decision making explains how cognitive biases can prevent people from seeing emerging trends and possibilities. By training oneself to notice patterns in information, conversations, and trends, it becomes easier to anticipate opportunities.
Action Tip: Develop a habit of analysing industry trends, technological advancements, and social patterns. Engage in critical thinking exercises where you predict possible future scenarios based on small shifts in behaviour or market movements. This skill improves over time with practice.
7. Use the 20/80 Rule for Strategic Focus
The Pareto Principle states that 20 percent of actions generate 80 percent of results. Applying this concept to possibility development means identifying which activities and relationships yield the highest return in terms of learning, networking, and opportunity creation.
Action Tip: Regularly evaluate where your energy and resources are going. Identify the activities that contribute most to progress and double down on those efforts. Eliminate or delegate tasks that do not contribute significantly to long term success.
8. Reframe Failure as a Catalyst for Possibility
Failure often leads to new directions and discoveries that would not have emerged otherwise. Barbara Fredrickson’s research on positive psychology shows that maintaining an optimistic outlook helps individuals recover from failure and see new possibilities where others might only see setbacks.
Action Tip: When experiencing a setback, write down three potential opportunities or lessons that could come from the situation. By shifting focus from what went wrong to what can be learned, it becomes easier to move forward constructively.
9. Align Identity and Actions with Integrity
Authenticity plays a key role in creating meaningful connections and opportunities. Research by Brené Brown and Carl Rogers suggests that when people act in alignment with their core values, they naturally attract others who share similar goals and perspectives.
Action Tip: Define your core values and reflect on whether your daily actions align with them. If you find inconsistencies, adjust behaviours to ensure greater authenticity. This alignment builds trust and credibility, which are essential for attracting new possibilities.
10. Take Proactive Steps Before Feeling Ready
Many people wait for the perfect moment before acting, but research on self-efficacy suggests that confidence comes from action, not before it. Albert Bandura’s work shows that by taking small steps, individuals build the belief in their own ability to succeed, which then fuels further action.
Action Tip: Instead of waiting to feel ready, commit to starting something today. Whether it is reaching out to a potential mentor, launching a project, or applying for a new opportunity, acting creates momentum. Adjust and refine your approach as you go rather than striving for perfection from the outset.
Conclusion: Shaping Your Own Luck and Expanding Possibilities
Research supports the idea that luck is not purely random. People who actively cultivate the right mindset, behaviours, and networks tend to experience more opportunities. By strengthening intentionality, seeking out new experiences, developing emotional intelligence, and acting with integrity, individuals increase their ability to shape favourable outcomes.
The strategies outlined here emphasize that possibilities are within reach for those willing to develop the habits and skills that attract them. When preparation and awareness meet opportunity, what appears as luck is often the result of deliberate effort. By consistently applying these principles, individuals can create an environment where success and opportunity flourish.
If you enjoyed this article, give it a like and share ways you create Luck or Possibilities for yourself.
References
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Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263–291.
Koch, R. (1998). The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less. Doubleday.
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Wiseman, R. (2003). The Luck Factor: The Scientific Study of the Lucky Mind. Miramax Books.
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