How to Get Lucky: A Life-Changing Secret

Imagine walking down a bustling street, focusing on getting to your destination. You’re so preoccupied that you miss a crisp $20 bill lying right at your feet. You didn’t even see it. Now, imagine someone else strolling by the same spot, spotting the bill, and picking it up with a smile. Was it just luck? Or something deeper?

This simple scene sets the stage for one of the most fascinating psychological studies ever conducted by Richard Wiseman, a renowned psychologist, in the early 2000s. Through a clever experiment, Wiseman unraveled the mystery of what it truly means to be "lucky." Spoiler alert: It’s not just chance—it’s you.

Wiseman's experiment was as straightforward as it was brilliant. He gathered a group of volunteers and asked them to identify themselves as either "lucky" or "unlucky." Then, he handed each participant a newspaper and asked them to count the number of photographs inside.

What they didn’t know was that the newspaper contained a bold, almost glaring message in the middle of its pages: "Stop counting. There are 43 photographs in this newspaper."

What happened next was astonishing. The "lucky" participants were far more likely to notice the message and stop counting. Meanwhile, the "unlucky" participants meticulously counted every photograph, oblivious to the shortcut right in front of their eyes.

This wasn’t about chance. It was about mindset and perception. Wiseman’s experiment revealed that luck isn’t some magical force—it’s a skill that some people naturally cultivate, while others unknowingly ignore.

What Separates the Lucky from the Unlucky?

Wiseman’s findings revealed stark differences in how lucky and unlucky people interact with the world:

1. Lucky People Are Open to the Unexpected

Lucky individuals approach life with curiosity and openness. They notice the opportunities that others miss, whether it’s a bold message in a newspaper or a chance encounter with a stranger.

2. Unlucky People Are Trapped in Tunnel Vision

Unlucky individuals are so focused on their immediate task—like counting photographs—that they miss the bigger picture. Their rigid focus blinds them to opportunities right in front of them.

3. Lucky People Expect Good Things

Optimism shapes their reality. Lucky people anticipate positive outcomes, which not only helps them notice opportunities but also primes them to act on them.

4. Unlucky People Expect Failure

When you expect things to go wrong, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Negative expectations limit your ability to take risks, seize opportunities, and recover from setbacks.

Becoming Lucky

What if you could take control of your luck? Wiseman’s work shows that you can. Here’s how to transform yourself into one of those people who seem to always be in the right place at the right time.

1. Open Your Mind to Opportunity

• Stop rushing through life. Slow down and pay attention to your surroundings.

• Practice mindfulness to stay present. Often, opportunities are hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to notice them.

2. Expect the Best

• Start each day with optimism. Tell yourself that something amazing could happen today.

• Visualize success in your goals. Positive expectations create a mental environment that attracts opportunities.

3. Be Curious

• Engage with new people and experiences. Each interaction is a chance for serendipity.

• Say yes to invitations and challenges, even if they seem outside your comfort zone.

4. Embrace Setbacks as Lessons

• See failures as temporary and full of valuable insights. Every "unlucky" moment can be a stepping stone to something better.

5. Build a Strong Network

• Lucky people often benefit from their connections. Make an effort to meet and genuinely connect with others.

• Share your goals with people around you. They might open doors you didn’t even know existed.

The Emotional Truth About Luck

At its core, Wiseman’s experiment reveals something deeply human: Luck isn’t about being chosen by fate. It’s about choosing how you see the world. Those who embrace life with openness, optimism, and curiosity naturally draw good fortune to themselves. They don’t just wait for lucky breaks—they create them.

Think back to that $20 bill on the sidewalk. Were you the person who walked by without noticing, or the one who stopped to pick it up? The difference isn’t chance—it’s a mindset. And the best part? You have the power to change yours.

So, the next time you hear someone say, “They’re just lucky,” remember this: Luck isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you can build. And it starts with opening your eyes, your heart, and your mind to the opportunities all around you.

Blog By:

Nav Jassi | Author of "Mind Your Growth; The Art and Science of Personal Growth" | www.navjassi.com