Are we born lucky, or do we make our own luck?

When someone says that people are born lucky, what do they really mean? Is it that they know this person will one day win the lottery, or win a ‘boystown home’ from a $2 raffle ticket? No, it means the perception is that because of the family life the person was born into (which generally means money) - they will have everything they want for in life. But, is that really luck or just opportunity…?

Opportunity is the key to all luck and the best thing about opportunity is that you can create your own, or at lest try to.

As an example: I am a big believer in ‘car park etiquette’. I was at the plaza the other day (along with the rest of the coast) heading to the shops. Partly to get out of the torrential rain and secondly to hit the sales (or is that the other way around?!) Anyway, with 20 cars lined up in front of us, we drove in.  I saw a lady walking with her child in the direction of what I assumed to be her parked car, so, I wound down my window & asked her where she was parked. She happily pointed me in the direction, told me where to wait and even said she will keep an eye out for our car to ensure we get the spot. Now, how simple was that! Satisfaction was clearly evident on both sides, we spent less than 2 minutes looking for a park & the lady waved us of with a smile that said ‘my good deed is completed for the day’! A true win - win situation. I guess that is why it’s called luck, when a good opportunity arises and you get to take it, you do feel like a winner.

Anna’s not so secret, but always a good to be reminded- tips for making your own luck:

Speak up. If you really want something, don’t be shy about it- you may just get it if you ask. Also, the more people you speak to, the more opportunity you are exposing yourself to. 

I try and use this point a lot at work. Each time we have a manager in the office or even a new employee, I make an effort to introduce myself. They may not be interested in my position- but, they will always remember the person that had the confidence to introduce themselves.

Persist. Try, try and try again- take more risks. It is said that people learn more from failure than they do from success. So, that means, each time you try again- you are improving your odds. At least I think that’s the logic…? (Note to self: take own advice for this point!)

Be positive. The power of the mind is an amazing thing. If you start to think like a lucky person, you may well just become one! A smile is an international language, it makes you feel good and it makes people more approachable. It has the power to turn your whole day around.

Whatever you do, don’t get caught in get rich quick schemes, don’t forward ridiculous chain-emails promising you love or cash by the end of the week and don’t take my advice too seriously; I’m not a qualifier ‘luck-maker’, yet.