If luck be a lady, ever wondered how you could better woo her?
Put the stars, moon, and sun in your corner by emulating these things lucky people do naturally.
1. They keep a broad view of what “luck” is.
What is luck to you? Is it finding something you thought lost? Getting a free item or good bargain? Having exactly enough time, money, and energy to procure a desired resource? Knowing the right people to snag that job, date, or team member? A good stock picture right when you need the money? The chance to pause and taste the roses? A lucky person would wave their hand and smile “yes!” to all of the above. Keep an open mind when it comes to what kinds of these are considered “lucky.”
2. They prepare.
The term “luck” is often applied to those who worked exponentially harder and longer than the competition. Make your own luck by keeping your nose to the grindstone and outworking the field while you train for an event, prepare a brief, or launch a business.
3. They keep an eye out for open doors.
Ever sat on a street and watched dozens of people step over a quarter on the sidewalk, until one stops and picks it up? That single person had their senses engaged, noticed the opportunity, and took it. Whether it’s spare change or a big career break, lucky people remain engaged, constantly scanning the horizon for the next opportunity.
4. They start early.
A “lucky” break is often what occurs after dozens, or even hundreds, of failed attempts. Lucky people begin a pursuit well in advance of their target deadline. If they want to start a business in 5 years, for instance, they keep a notebook of their ideas and observations now. If they want to run a marathon next year, they will go for a jog after work today. If they like that cute lady or gentleman down the row, they will chat this evening in hopes that a date invitation materializes soon.
5. They connect with as many people as possible.
Few “lucky” incidents are solo. A lucky occurrence usually involves many people, and it can take a village to capitalize upon an opportunity. Those favored folks know this, and keep their well-stocked Rolodexes at the ready and their phone dialing fingers warmed up.
6. They make use of their strengths.
No one is good at everything, and no one has time to become an expert at, well, everything. Lucky people identify, refine, and capitalize on their strengths in business, relationship building, and at the negotiating table.
7. They follow up.
Retailers offer rebate cards because customers frequently neglect to cash them in, and modern bosses hire anyone who can finish a task without getting distracted by technology. Lucky people stand out from the crowd by following up on that contact, closing that deal, finishing that project.
8. They focus on the positive.
If you find a young person “lucky” enough to have made a fortune in lemonade sales, chances are that it was because that young person spent many days squeezing lemons in the rain. Were they frowning while they did so? More likely, they were squeezing away, thinking how nice it was that they had an umbrella and these handy lemons on which to build their future empire. It’s all about perspective.
9. They cultivate gratitude.
Do lucky people know they’re lucky? You bet they do! Even more, they are thankful for their state every day.
10. They pass it on.
How do lucky people show their gratitude? They pass on their luck, whether emailing around a good coupon, giving that quarter off the street to someone else, or donating their time, energy, and hopefully some of that luck.
Ready to put these tips into action? Learn How You Can Create Luck in Everyday Life.
Featured photo credit: GF Peck via flickr.com
