Can we make our own luck?

Some people seem to be born lucky - they meet their perfect partners, achieve their ambitions, and live happy lives.

People who think they are lucky achieve more success and happiness than those who don't. Without realizing it, they are creating good fortune in their lives.

1 Lucky people make the most of their opportunities

Be open to new experiences and vary your routine. For example, get off the bus a stop earlier than usual. You may see something interesting or new, or bump into an old friend.

Exercise
Make a list of six new experiences you'd like to try. These could be simple, like eating at a new restaurant, or long term, for example learning a new language. Number the experiences 1-6. Then throw a dice and whatever experience is chosen, go out and do it.

2 Lucky people trust their instinct

When you are trying to decide what to do, first make an effort to relax. Then when your mind is clear, listen to what is is telling you and act on it.

Exercise
If you are trying to decide between two options, write one of them down in the form of a letter. For example, if you are unhappy about a relationship, write to your partner explaining that it's all over. Read the letter. Would you really like to send it, or is something telling you that it doesn't feel right? If so, don't do it.

3 Lucky people expect to be lucky

Convince yourself that your future will be bright and lucky. Set realistic but high goals. If you fail, don't give up, and be open to the idea of trying a different way to achieve your goals.

Exercise
Make a list of goals. They must be specific, not vague, e.g. 'I want to spend more time with my partner', not 'I want to be happy'. Now make a second list of all the advantages you would get if you achieved your goals, and the disadvantages. Compare the advantages with the disadvantages and you will see which goals are worth trying to achieve.

4 Lucky people use bad luck to their advantage

If something bad happens, imagine how things could have been worse. You will then realize that things aren't so bad after all. Compare your situation with other people who are in an even worse situation. Take a long view of things - even if things seem bad now, expect them to get better in the end. Learn from your past mistakes and think of new ways of solving your problems.

Exercise
When you experience bad luck, first cry or scream for 30 minutes. Then put your bad luck behind you. Do something to make the situation better, e.g. ask friends for advice and focus on a solution to the problem.