Can we create our own luck?

 

 

 

I have been reading about luck and probability and its part in the equation for success. We have all heard the age-old phrases of how ‘successful people create their own luck’, or ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get’ and even ‘luck favours the prepared’. But can luck actually be created? Well yes and no. There are two things overall involved in making ‘chance work for you’. One is about positive reframing so that you feel lucky and the other is to get the odds in your favour. In fact, both of these feed into each other as well. Lets break it down.

 

 

Reframing the past events

Our past has lead us to our present. Many view their past as a series of events that were partly random and partly by design. When we reframe our past as ‘good luck’ that has brought us to today and recognize how our life is better than it was yesterday, you suddenly loose the cynicism and embrace a kind of gracious attitude towards life. Not only does it make one happier, but it can also help one look towards the future with positive expectancy. Which brings me to the next point.

 

Reframing the present events

Reframing what happens today, can help get us through failure and catastrophe, and even help us see opportunities where there are none. Making the most of the present is as simple as reframing a present event (good or bad) as good luck. This might mean you see your failure as a stepping stone or perhaps use it as an opportunity. A great example is the online businesses that so many have created in response to COVID-19. These businesses are creating their own luck.

 

Giving Chance a Chance

It is also important to understand the role of chance in human development. We know for sure that many innovations and breakthroughs rise out of chance. People meeting together by chance (Steve Wozniak and Jobs) or small random events that create a powerful future (Sony’s canceled partnership led them to make the PlayStation). One of the hallmarks of modern science is ‘primary, basic research’ which may not have much application now but usually leads to breakthroughs over time. Google also famously gave is employees time off to work on innovation. Giving chance a chance can lead to beautiful things in the long run.

 

Old sayings and what they meant

We cannot straight up create luck but we can certainly ensure that the probability of achieving our goals increases. The old statements I mentioned in the introduction, are all relevant and all about making sure the odds are in your favour.

 

Conclusion:

We cannot straight up ensure 100% probability of things happening, but we can influence the odds and can even change the tide depending on how we interact with chance happenings. Overall it's all about feeling lucky. The COVID pandemic might turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you, and that delayed flight might mean you meet a prospect in the business lounge. Changing our outlook and feeling lucky, can create happiness and opportunities where there were none.

 

Umair Usman is a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner, a businessperson, and a blogger. You can know more about him at www.thecognitiveconsultants.com. To book a free consultancy session, please fill the form https://tinyurl.com/y6n2vv8w