Fortune Is A Frame Of Mind: Luck School 101

Apparently luck isn't something you obtain at birth. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, explains in his book, The Luck Factor, that lucky people have more opportunities because they a) listen to their intuition b) expect to be lucky and c) are more resilient to bad luck. In this article at telegraph.co.uk (click here), Wiseman explains how luck can be learned.

Unlucky people often fail to follow their intuition when making a choice, whereas lucky people tend to respect hunches. Lucky people are interested in how they both think and feel about the various options, rather than simply looking at the rational side of the situation. I think this helps them because gut feelings act as an alarm bell - a reason to consider a decision carefully.

Unlucky people tend to be creatures of routine. They tend to take the same route to and from work and talk to the same types of people at parties. In contrast, many lucky people try to introduce variety into their lives. For example, one person described how he thought of a colour before arriving at a party and then introduced himself to people wearing that colour. This kind of behaviour boosts the likelihood of chance opportunities by introducing variety.

Lucky people tend to see the positive side of their ill fortune. They imagine how things could have been worse. In one interview, a lucky volunteer arrived with his leg in a plaster cast and described how he had fallen down a flight of stairs. I asked him whether he still felt lucky and he cheerfully explained that he felt luckier than before. As he pointed out, he could have broken his neck.

Like any skeptic, I mean researcher, I decided to test Wiseman's theories. I began exploring what it would be like to trust my intuition. I discovered that I not only ignored my gut but also chastised myself for thinking of such an absurd idea. I quickly discovered that trusting my gut was both empowering and adventageous.

With one theory proven I had positive expectations for my next trial: seeing the sunny side of my circumstances. It took some time to turn my woes to joy. However, I soon discovered that I AM truly blessed. This has had a profound effect on my turbulent mood.

I am currently learning how to change my routine to recruit opportunities. This is especially difficult because my habits are well-trod paths. My EMDR specialist suggested I begin with sitting in a different spot during my sessions. This is certainly my toughest assignment and has incurred the most discomfort. Luckily I will soon be opening new doors every day!