Some people seem to have all the luck. Seriously, how do these lucky folks always seem to be in the right place at the right time? As clinical psychologist Rebecca Anderson explains it, luck isn’t just about chance. It’s often the result of specific habits and mindsets that anyone can adopt.
What we perceive as luck is frequently a combination of preparation, perspective and aligned action. These habits, rooted in optimism, allow them to spot possibilities others might overlook. By cultivating this proactive approach, anyone can shift their mindset to invite more luck into their lives.
Anderson shares her insights with Parade to highlight the key things lucky people do to bring about such good fortune. If you’re ready to shift your perspective and take charge of your life, these strategies can help you cultivate your own luck.
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6 Things ‘Lucky People’ Naturally Do, According to a Psychologist
1. Stick to Their Values
First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge the role of privilege when it comes to luck. People who’ve experienced a stable upbringing, financial security, a strong education, good health and limited discrimination may feel “luckier” or be exposed to more opportunities because of these advantages.
Still, Anderson asserts that being clear on your values can foster a sense of luck. Your values can inform the goals you create, and if you can stick to these goals this can create opportunities that feel like good fortune.
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2. Prioritize Playfulness
“Research shows that people who prioritize engaging in joy, awe and playfulness in daily life tend to be happier, which can create a sense of being ‘lucky’ since they experience more positive moments in life,” Anderson tells Parade.
Prioritizing playfulness can look like saying yes to something you otherwise wouldn’t, revisiting an activity you loved as a kid or trying out a new style for the day. Lucky people make space for play in their routines, reminding themselves that the most fulfilling moments come from embracing the present.
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3. Set Goals for Themselves
Setting goals will never go out of style. And goal-setting can certainly play a role in creating your own luck. As Anderson acknowledged, what may appear as luck to others might actually be the result of years of hard work and dedication behind the scenes.
Anderson adds, “When you show up consistently in different areas of your life, you’re creating chances for good things to happen. The more you work and achieve your goals, the more this increases a sense of self-trust and helps you to move forward.”
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4. Maintain a Growth Mindset
Anderson states that people with a growth mindset often understand that the only thing standing between them and their goals is their willingness to be okay with failure. Let that one sink in for a second.
“Lucky people realize that failure is a normal part of success, whereas those with a fixed mindset may believe abilities are set in stone and feel discouraged from trying. This might have come from low self-confidence due to earlier negative experiences in life when trying new things,” she elaborates.
Strengthening your self-confidence muscle plays a key role in maintaining a growth mindset and creating opportunities. Self-confidence helps you confront the discomfort of trying, failing and growing, which is essential for progress.
“In life, you can either experience the chronic pain that comes with knowing there are things you want to achieve but you’re not going after them, or the acute pain of taking the risk and going after what you want. Only one moves you forward,” she emphasizes.
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5. Remove Shame
As humans, we tend to be our own worst critics and focus on our problems more than the good. It’s normal not to feel lucky, and it’s helpful to remove the shame from this habit and notice it without judgment.
“This tendency can explain why someone who seems to have it all might get hung up on a small issue, like a tree branch hanging over their fence,” Anderson points out.
The aim isn’t to become ‘toxically positive’ because that can undermine how you really feel about something. If something doesn’t go your way, you’re allowed to be disappointed. But, you can still find silver linings.
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6. Note the Positives
It may sound redundant, but taking note of the positive things happening in your life can make a difference. From small things like a rain-free day when you’re running errands to big achievements like a promotion at work, there’s usually always something positive going on.
“Consciously tracking these moments for a couple of weeks can help train your brain to notice positive aspects around you. Try doing this for a set period, like two weeks, as building a new habit can feel overwhelming if you expect it every day,” Anderson advises.
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Source
- Rebecca Anderson: TikTok, Instagram, Website
