Do you think you are lucky? Whether you do or not may make a huge difference to whether you experience luck in your life.
Feeling Lucky and The Resilient Way
Although being lucky may seem to be a random event, research shows that actually luck is frequently a result of your attitude. Simply put, if you think you are lucky you will experience more good luck than if you think you are unlucky. Expecting good outcomes is The Resilient Way to influence them.
The Resilient Way to Feel Lucky
Even bad luck can be reframed if you hold a positive attitude. Perhaps an unfortunate event is necessary to allow the good luck to come in? For instance, perhaps you are made redundant (unlucky) but then you apply for and get the job of your dreams, or that relationship breakup that upset you so much resulted in you meeting the partner who you are much happier with. Imagine how resilient you will be if you view every negative event as having the potential to make things better in the long run?.
A Lucky or Unlucky Story?
This folklore tale illustrates the point that luck is a matter of perception.
One day a farmer discovered that his prize stallion had escaped from the field and run away. His neighbours commiserated and said “Oh, such bad luck!” The farmer replied, “Who knows, good luck or bad luck, we’ll see.” A few days later the stallion came back to the farm accompanied by several wild mares. “Ooh, such good luck!” said his neighbours. “Who knows, good luck or bad luck, we’ll see” said the farmer again. A few days later the farmer’s son tried to ride on one of the new horses, was thrown to the ground and broke his leg. “What bad luck” the neighbours said. Again, the farmer replied, “Who knows, good luck or bad luck, we’ll see.” A week later all the young men in the village were called to join the army and fight in the civil war. The farmer was too old to join up and the young man too injured to be considered.
Testing the Theory
Professor Richard Wiseman who has studied the subject of luck ran this luck experiment to see how one’s attitude to being lucky or unlucky might influence people’s experience. He asked two groups of people to read a newspaper, one group who considered themselves to be lucky and the other who thought themselves unlucky. On one half on the newspaper he wrote in large letters, ‘Tell the experimenter you have seen this and win £250’. The ‘lucky’ people were found to be much more likely to notice and read the statement and report it to the researcher.
Can You Learn to be Lucky?
Dr Matthew Smith from Buckinghamshire New University believes that luck is a skill that can be both taught and learned. You can find out more about his ‘Go Luck Yourself Project’ and how you can learn to become a luckier person.
Want to Dig Deeper?
The Luck Factor by Professor Richard Wiseman
‘Act As If’ You Are Lucky
If you feel that you’ve had more than your fair share of being unlucky in life, why not ‘Act As If’ you are a lucky person. You’ve got nothing to lose and maybe a lot to gain? Good Luck!
My Personal Experience
I used to believe I was unlucky, after all I never won lotteries, prizes or competitions but then it was pointed out to me that I didn’t enter them either! I still don’t buy lottery tickets but I’ve changed my attitude mainly because I have learned to be appreciative and grateful. I often count my blessings and appreciate how lucky I am to have enough food, a home, a job, a family and live in a beautiful part of the world. I feel really lucky now how about you?
