Have you ever felt like some people are just naturally lucky while you're stuck waiting for your big break? You're not alone. But here's something I've realized: luck isn't binary—it's not simply good or bad, on or off.

It's more fluid, something you can influence. Luck is about tipping the scales in your favor by making deliberate, everyday choices.

Let's explore how you can create your own luck.

The Four Kinds Of Luck

In 1978, neurologist Dr. James Austin published a fascinating book titled Chase, Chance, & Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty. He described four distinct types of luck, each highlighting a different pathway to opportunity:

Blind Luck

Pure chance, completely random events you have no control over.

Example: Winning the lottery or finding a twenty-dollar bill on the street.

Luck from Motion

Luck resulting from actively engaging and taking consistent action.

Example: Regularly attending industry events or social gatherings, increasing the chances of meeting someone influential or discovering a new opportunity.

Luck from Awareness

Noticing and seizing opportunities that others overlook because you are observant and attentive.

Example: Spotting a subtle trend in your field early on and capitalizing on it before everyone else catches on.

Luck from Uniqueness

Attracting luck through your distinct skills, reputation, or personality traits that differentiate you from others.

Example: Being specifically recommended for a unique project because you have a known expertise that perfectly fits the requirement.

Show Up—Good Things Happen When You Do

Luck has a funny way of finding those who actively participate. In his article on increasing your luck surface area, Jason Roberts highlights that you can actually control the amount of luck you encounter by intentionally expanding your presence and visibility.

The more you interact with people, try new things, and openly share your work and interests, the greater your chances of luck finding you. Think about it: opportunities rarely knock on your door while you're binge-watching Netflix. They happen when you deliberately expand your luck surface area.

I was really excited to see one of my favorite bands, but the tickets sold out right away. I felt sad and disappointed because it was hard to get them. A week later, I decided to check again, expecting to see sold-out, but to my surprise, there was one ticket available.

This is the essence of Blind Luck—the kind that shows up unexpectedly when you're out in the world, giving a chance the opportunity to find you.

Say Yes—Welcome New Opportunities

Sometimes, creating your own luck means saying "yes" to things before you're fully ready—even when your comfort zone tells you to play it safe. Every "yes" is a vote for possibility.

Think of those moments when you almost said no to a fun invite, a new project, or a random opportunity that seemed a bit out of reach. Like the time your coworker asked if you wanted to join a trivia night and you almost passed—but you went and ended up making a new friend who later introduced you to a job lead.

Here's the key: never say no to yourself. Don't dismiss your potential before giving it a shot. You never know what could happen when you choose curiosity over comfort.

This is Luck from Motion in Action—by moving, exploring, and saying yes, you stir up new possibilities you’d never encounter standing still.

Build Relationships—Grow Your "Luck Network"

Relationships are the bridges that luck travels across and connect us in many meaningful ways. Investing in genuine connections with others doesn't just feel good—it’s a strategic decision that can yield incredible benefits.

For instance, my friend's dad was starting a business and recommended me to create the company logo.

Interestingly, I rarely talked about my art with my friend, but he remembered my skills and thought of me at the perfect moment. This taps into Luck from Awareness—your network isn't just a social circle; it’s your personal luck multiplier, opening doors to new opportunities when you least expect it.

Stay Prepared—Be Ready for Opportunities

You've probably heard the phrase, "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

There's truth behind that. Opportunities often show up when you least expect them, and the best way to take advantage of them is by staying ready. That means consistently sharpening your skills, learning new things, and keeping your goals in mind.

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be in motion. The more prepared you are behind the scenes, the more confident you'll feel stepping into a new challenge when it arises.

I've spent years honing my drawing skills—both traditionally and digitally—taking classes, watching YouTube tutorials, and consistently practicing.

This is Luck from Uniqueness—when your unique skills, talents, and experiences put you in the perfect position to receive unexpected opportunities tailored just for you.

Final Thoughts

Remember, luck isn't a mysterious force reserved for a special few. It's the sum of the choices you make daily. Show up consistently, say yes often, nurture your connections, and stay ready.

You’ll find that luck starts to feel less like chance and more like that reliable friend who always shows up when you put in the effort and stay open to what’s possible.

Here's your challenge: What's one small step you'll take this week to create your own luck?

Take care,

-Emilia ♡