When it comes to luck or good fortune, everyone has their opinion. Whether you strongly believe in one or the other, here’s how to best use both.
“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” – Thomas A. Edison.
“The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.” – Barbara Sher.
Best Ways to Use Luck or Good Fortune
Where do you stand on luck or good fortune? Many often confuse the two, or think they’re the same. While both have similarities and some overlap, they’re each distinct concepts.
First, let’s explore each and then consider ways to use them effectively to live a longer, happier life.
What Is Luck?
Do you know someone who seems to be lucky? What is it about luck that is so enticing? According to experts, luck is most associated with randomness or chance and refers to a good outcome. Furthermore, luck is attached to an individual, rather than something that applies to a group. Research confirms that many believe luck to be a personal attribute.
“I’ve found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” – Brian Tracy.
- Besides, the random nature of luck means it’s not something you can count on.
- You also can’t control luck.
- Additionally, perception of luck may influence how you approach life, whether you take chances, avoid, or accept and seize opportunities.
What Is Good Fortune?
The contrast between luck or good fortune is quite vivid. Most people associate good fortune with success, wealth, a favorable outcome, and good luck. However, fortune is unpredictable and can lead to positive or negative results. Its uncertainty can cause you to be reluctant to try anything new.
“Fortune favors the bold.” – Aristotle.
- Good fortune is closely associated with opportunities. So, if you’re aggressive or bold, you’re likely to believe in good fortune and are willing to take risks to achieve rewards.
- Furthermore, you have an element of control over your good fortune. If you’re willing to work, you’re more likely to succeed.
- Good fortune is considered an external force, not something within the individual.
- On the other hand, you have a certain amount of control in making your best decisions and actions, compared to luck, which is beyond your control.
How to Take Advantage of Luck or Good Fortune
Now for the critical part: How can you best use luck or good fortune? Much of the following advice comes from personal experience and a fair amount of research. So, take what works for you and discard the rest.
If You Have a Talent, Use It
One thing is sure: If you possess a talent or ability, you must use it. You can be happy by pursuing your dreams while exercising your abilities. Besides, if things seem to go well after you use your talent, this may lead to more opportunities. So, the first time, you could consider it luck, but afterwards, it could be luck or good fortune. Work hard to improve your luck.
Find Excitement in Luck or Good Fortune
When you have a positive outlook on life, you’re more inclined to find excitement in ordinary things. Feeling great on a sunny day is natural, yet when you can be happy during storms and chaos, you’re really flexible and balanced.
Besides, you can find ways to add excitement to your life so there’s always something to look forward to.
- Experiences are a terrific opportunity to explore good fortune, and luck may also come into play.
- Take part in an adventure to ramp up excitement and add to your life. Learning something new helps you discover other talents and abilities to increase your good fortune.
Learn to Recognize Patterns
When someone is lucky, or has good fortune, you can be sure they’re skilled in pattern recognition. For example, you know that your most productive days are Tuesday and Friday, so you work on critical projects on those days. Or you have a number you consider lucky and always play it in the lottery.
Similarly, if things are going well and you’re on a streak (getting projects completed on time and successfully, everything falls into place, opportunities keep coming), you keep riding this pattern. Now isn’t the time to quit, or you might lose momentum.
Be Ready to Act Quickly on Luck or Good Fortune
Have you ever had a good idea, but didn’t act on it? That delay could mean you lost out on good fortune. On the other hand, being at the right place at the right time is lucky – if you act promptly.
Remain Optimistic
Positive people are optimistic, resilient, and foster open-mindedness. This creates a mindset that seems to attract good fortune and rewarding outcomes. However, the pessimistic person seems to fall into a self-fulfilling prophecy with unfavorable results.
Cultivate Situational Awareness
Many lucky individuals know the key to their success is being situationally aware. So, pay attention to what’s happening around you to take advantage of opportunities others miss.
Focus on Creating Value
Without zeroing in on chasing luck or good fortune, when you focus on value creation, you multiply your chances of achieving both. Besides, this is especially true for those who create value for others, since each party receives benefits from the good that’s done.
