Creating Your Own Luck: 4 Steps to Achieve Your Dreams
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Chapter 1: The Luck Factor
For a span of two years, I experienced what I can only describe as a remarkable streak of good fortune. I was fortunate enough to win nearly every contest I entered. Some of my cherished prizes included: a week-long Outward Bound adventure in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds, a collection of ten Lonely Planet travel guides, a thirty-visit pool pass, and a variety of delightful gifts from a local shop.
Each time the shop owner, Mindy, drew my name, she’d jokingly exclaim, “Jenny, if only I had your luck, I’d be buying lottery tickets every day!”
However, that lucky phase was fifteen years ago. Since then, luck has come to me in bursts. Notable instances include purchasing my dream home as a single income earner and receiving a 75% scholarship for a $4,000 course. I've also encountered small strokes of luck, like when I wished for vegan strawberry ice cream on a stick during a vacation and found them unexpectedly at a store near Yosemite National Park.
Want to Harness the Lucky Energy This Year?
I’m setting my intentions for more luck starting January 22nd. Why this date? It marks the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit, the most auspicious sign in the twelve-year Asian zodiac cycle!
Reflecting on my experiences with both significant and minor luck, I've pinpointed four essential steps that have helped me cultivate luck in my life. If you're eager to enhance your own luck, follow these steps!
Section 1.1: Cultivate a Lucky Mindset
The first step is to believe that you are lucky. Cultivating a lucky mindset can significantly improve your chances of success. When you adopt the belief that luck is something you can influence, you shift from an external to an internal locus of control.
This belief empowers you to take proactive steps toward your goals, even amidst challenges, thereby exposing you to new opportunities and connections that can enhance your luck. Conversely, if you view luck as something that only certain people possess, you may adopt a passive attitude, thinking, “Why try? Luck is determined by fate.”
Self-reflection: Do you consider yourself lucky? If not, can you cultivate a mindset that embraces the possibility of being lucky?
Section 1.2: Define Your Aspirations
The second step is to articulate your big dream. By clearly defining what you wish to achieve, you bring your aspirations to the forefront of your mind.
Without a specific goal, your dreams can easily get lost among the multitude of thoughts that occupy your mind daily. When you identify a dream, it’s akin to setting a destination on a GPS; it keeps you oriented and reminds you to pursue opportunities related to that dream.
For instance, during my two-year winning streak, my dream was simple: “I want to win fun prizes.” This clarity led me to apply for every contest I encountered. Similarly, when I was searching for my ideal home, I wrote down specific criteria for my dream house daily, which kept me focused on my goal.
Self-reflection: What is your big dream? What do you want to achieve?
4 Ways to Create Your Own Luck - YouTube: This video discusses practical methods to cultivate luck in your life, emphasizing the power of mindset and intention.
Section 1.3: Increase Your Odds
The third step involves creating multiple "lottery tickets." To enhance your chances of success, you should take numerous actions toward your dreams.
While you cannot control others' actions or external circumstances, you can increase your odds by actively pursuing your goals. The more initiatives you take, the higher your chances of experiencing good fortune. For instance, if your aspiration is to create a viral YouTube video, you should produce numerous videos—each one acts as a chance to hit the jackpot.
This principle applies to various dreams, whether it's attracting a high-profile client, discovering your soulmate, or achieving recognition for your writing.
To work toward my dream of publishing essays with Thought Catalog, I plan to write and submit numerous articles regularly. Focusing on quantity can also lead to improvement over time.
Self-reflection: What actions can you consistently take to pursue your dream? What quantity goal will you set for yourself?
How To Make Your Dreams Come True - YouTube: This video explores actionable strategies for turning your dreams into reality, focusing on persistence and effort.
Section 1.4: Expand Your Network
The fourth step is to widen your network. Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck, symbolizes the connections that can help you achieve your dreams.
No matter what your dream is, there are countless individuals who can aid you in realizing it. The theory of Six Degrees of Separation suggests that everyone in the world is connected through a chain of acquaintances. Impressing just one person in your desired field could lead to new opportunities.
For example, when I was 29, I resolved to find work abroad. Within five months, my networking efforts led to three job offers in New Zealand. By engaging with people about my aspirations and leveraging every networking opportunity, I uncovered job prospects that were not publicly advertised.
Self-reflection: Who are the “Fortunas” in your life? What steps will you take to expand your connections and make your dreams known?
Summary
To enhance your luck, consider these four key steps:
- Cultivate a Lucky Mindset: Embrace the belief that you can create your own luck.
- Define Your Aspirations: Clearly outline what you want to achieve to keep it front of mind.
- Increase Your Odds: Take multiple actions toward your goals, akin to buying lottery tickets.
- Expand Your Network: Build connections that may help you realize your dreams.
Art by author Jenny Messerle
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