How to be Lucky - the Scientific Approach

Everybody needs a bit of luck, I found understanding the science behind luck made me realise what I do naturally makes me a pretty lucky person. Knowing exactly what to focus on when I need a lucky break helps. I hope it will help you too.

Is there science behind luck? Experiments by Prof Richard Wiseman suggest that there are four behaviours which are common to people who see themselves as lucky. 

People who do these things have a bit more luck than average. 

• They are Alert: They keep their eyes open for lucky opportunities, and always expect to find them. 
• Luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Be prepared by developing your skills, staying informed, and keeping your options open. 
• Don't limit yourself by preconceived notions of what you can or cannot do. 
• Stay flexible and open to new opportunities, even if they don't fit your original plans. 
• They Bounce Back: They are resilient. They know that bad stuff does happen, but they look for a bright side.   
•  Luck rarely comes to those who give up easily. Accept that there will be some setbacks. Be persistent and keep working towards your goals, even in the face of obstacles. 
• They trust their Intuition: Faced with a decision, they relax and listen to their gut. 
• Luck often favours those who take risks, but it's important to take calculated risks. Consider the potential rewards and weigh them against the potential risks – then trust your instinct. 
• They Think Positively: They imagine good stuff happening, because that makes it more likely.   
• Positive energy attracts positive results. Surround yourself with people who have a positive outlook on life, and who support and encourage each other. 
• Be kind and generous, and express gratitude for what you have. This will put you front of mind for anyone who has a something to give. 

So being lucky is not just a matter of chance. If you can; be prepared and flexible, take some risks and accept a few failures, and adopt a positive mindset, you can increase your odds of being lucky.  I'm lucky that these behaviours are quite natural to me, and I have had a lucky life. But it is good to remember to focus and to make sure that your reactions to life's ebb and flow is designed to give you the best outcomes.

Try these behaviours for A BIT and you shouldn’t be surprised at how lucky you become. 

Good luck!

Ref: The Luck Factor by R Wisemann, The Skeptical Inquirer  Volume   27, No.3 ~ May/June 2003