Make Your Own Luck

During my last semester of college, I was offered a sys admin internship from a customer at the deli I worked at. To this day, my parents still tell me how lucky I was for that to happen.

The thing is, I didn’t feel it was luck. But rather the result of studying hard, working at the deli, and keeping a positive attitude each day.

When the opportunity presented itself, I was ready and able to take advantage of it.

Now you may argue it’s just a matter of perspective.

But if I had taken out student loans and spent my free time playing video games, I wouldn’t have worked at the deli and met my future boss. If I had slacked off in school, I wouldn’t have had anything impressive to share with him. And if I had not made an effort to talk to my customers, the conversation may never even have happened.

The point is what we put out in the universe determines our luck. It isn’t some magical force that comes and goes, bestowing itself on a select few.

Say hi to the person next to you in the checkout line, maybe it’ll open up a network opportunity. Spend time on your tiny side project, it might impress the next person who interviews you.

I cringe when I hear people claim how unlucky they are. To me, it’s just a convenient excuse to take responsibility off themselves, rather than try to exert some control over their destiny.

We’re all capable of making our own luck. And I’ve found the harder you work, the luckier you get.

If you’re still not convinced, then here are some additional tips to improve your “luck”.

Add variety to your life

Instead of hanging out at the same places, or talking to the same types of people, try changing up your environment and activities. You’ll meet new people, learn new things, and more importantly, be exposed to more chance opportunities. Try being a Yes Man.

Try stuff

If you lock yourself in your house, how many exciting adventures and stories will happen to you? Will an amazing job or special someone magically appear in front of your door?

It’s hard to come across good things when they don’t even have a chance to happen in the first place. Don’t wait until you have all the answers. Get out there and let life happen. Be open to new experiences. You might be surprised.

Be generous

Go the extra mile for others without expecting anything in return. You’ll be happier and who knows, maybe the kind act will be returned when you least expect it. The more you give, the more you get.

Concentrate on the present

Relax, be open-minded, and take in the events around you. Don’t become so focused on something you miss out on other great opportunities in front of you.

If you go to a bar only looking for the perfect partner, you may miss the chance to make some good friends. If you’re only looking for a specific job on Craigslist, you may overlook other nice jobs out there.

Embrace failure

Don’t be afraid of taking risks and failing. Everything that happens in life is a lesson, and the sooner you learn what the lesson is, the better prepared you’ll be for the future.

Some people dwell on their disappointments and don’t go anywhere. Lucky people realize that any ill fortune in their lives will work out for the best. They brush it off and move on, prepared for the next opportunity when it comes.