Why Psychologists Say You Control Your Luck

Have you ever felt like some people just seem to have all the luck? Maybe they always win at games of chance or seem to effortlessly land their dream job. It’s easy to chalk it up to fate or good fortune, but psychologists suggest that there may be more to it than that.

According to research, luck might actually be a result of our mindset and behavior. In other words, we may have more control over our luck than we think.

One key factor in controlling your luck is having an optimistic outlook. People who believe that good things will happen tend to notice opportunities and take advantage of them when they arise. Conversely, those who have a negative outlook might miss out on opportunities or fail to recognize them altogether.

Research conducted by Dr. Richard Wiseman, a British psychologist and author, found that lucky people tend to exhibit certain behaviors that contribute to their success. For example, they are more likely to be open to new experiences and take risks, whereas unlucky people tend to be more cautious and avoid taking risks.

Dr. Wiseman also found that lucky people tend to be more resilient in the face of failure. They view setbacks as temporary and are more likely to bounce back and try again. In contrast, unlucky people may view failure as permanent and give up more easily.

Another important aspect of controlling your luck is taking action. Luck doesn’t just come knocking on your door – you need to put yourself out there and actively pursue your goals. This means taking risks, trying new things, and being open to unexpected opportunities.

Psychologists also suggest that maintaining a growth mindset can help increase your luck. Instead of feeling defeated by setbacks or failures, those with a growth mindset see them as opportunities for learning and improvement. By embracing challenges and persisting through adversity, they increase their chances of success in the long run.

Of course, there are still plenty of factors outside of our control when it comes to luck – chance events like winning the lottery or being struck by lightning are entirely random occurrences. However, by focusing on the aspects we can control – our mindset and behaviors – we can increase our overall sense of agency and improve our chances for success.

So, how can you cultivate a lucky mindset and behavior? Here are a few tips:

1. Practice gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can help shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have and increase your overall sense of positivity.
2. Be open to new experiences. Try something new each week, whether it’s a new hobby, a new food, or a new social activity. This can help you break out of your routine and expose you to new opportunities.
3. Take calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but do so in a thoughtful and intentional way. Consider the potential outcomes and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
4. Embrace failure. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or failures. Instead, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Ask yourself what you can do differently next time, and use the experience to improve your skills and knowledge.

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can increase your overall sense of agency and improve your chances for success. Remember, luck is not just a matter of chance – it’s also a result of your mindset and behavior. So take control of your luck and create the life you want!