Sometimes, it seems like some people are just inherently lucky. They stumble upon opportunities effortlessly and everything falls into place for them. But what if I told you that you could make yourself one of these 'lucky' people? It's not just about being at the right place at the right time; it's about creating your own opportunities and making the most of them.
The Power of a Simple Gesture:
Take the story of Nir Zicherman, for instance. He was a law student struggling to find his footing. On his way to an interview, a casual joke he made in an elevator to a stranger holding a tray of coffee cups led to an unexpected turn in his life. This stranger turned out to be the hiring manager for the position he was interviewing for at NASA's legal department. She appreciated his humor, offered him the internship, and the rest, as they say, is history. Zicherman’s career trajectory shifted from law to tech, eventually leading him to co-found a startup sold to Spotify for millions. All because of a single elevator ride.
The Role of Attitude:
According to Richard Wiseman, a psychology professor at England’s University of Hertfordshire, luck isn't just a random occurrence. His research on people who consider themselves lucky or unlucky reveals a striking difference in their outlooks. Optimistic, cheerful, and resilient individuals tend to notice and grab opportunities more than those who are stressed or anxious. It's about having an expansive outlook and being open to possibilities.
Creating Your Own Luck:
You can cultivate your own luck. Start by keeping a 'luck diary' where you record positive occurrences or reflect on past difficulties that you've overcome. Such practices can improve your mood and open your mind to new opportunities. Another method is to try new things, like experimenting with different foods or rearranging your furniture, to remind yourself of your adaptability. Remember, lucky people are open to various pathways to achieve their goals.
Luck vs. Talent:
Alessio Emanuele Biondo, an associate professor at Italy’s University of Catania, points out that success isn't just about talent or effort; luck plays a significant role too. A computer simulation by Biondo and his team showed that individuals with average talent but more exposure to 'lucky' opportunities often achieved greater success than the most talented ones.
Embracing Opportunities:
Laura Knight's story exemplifies the importance of seizing opportunities. As the eldest child of a single immigrant mother, she often declined risky opportunities in pursuit of financial stability. However, when she finally decided to launch her own mermaid-themed trading card game, coinciding with a Netflix show's release, she experienced overwhelming success. This serves as a reminder of the rewards that can come from taking chances.
Building Connections:
Christian Busch, an associate professor at the University of Southern California, suggests using the 'hook strategy' to establish deeper connections. When meeting someone new, share diverse aspects of your personality and interests. This increases the likelihood of finding common ground and creating serendipitous connections.
Reframing Challenges:
It's also crucial to view challenges as opportunities. Instead of seeing a problem as a roadblock, consider it a detour that might lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. For instance, a budget traveler disappointed by not getting her desired hostel in Barcelona ended up meeting her future husband at an alternative hostel. What seemed like bad luck turned into a life-changing event.
Luck isn't just a stroke of fate; it's often a result of our actions, attitudes, and the choices we make. By being open, optimistic, and willing to step out of our comfort zones, we can turn the tides in our favor. So, the next time you find yourself lamenting your lack of luck, remember that with a slight shift in perspective and approach, you too can be one of those people who just seem to be 'lucky'.
The Four Key Traits of Lucky People, Inspired by 'The Luck Factor'
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have all the luck in the world? Richard Wiseman, the author of "The Luck Factor," has delved into this question and identified four common traits that lucky people share. Understanding these traits can offer insights into how some people consistently find themselves in fortunate situations.
1. Embracing Opportunities with Flexibility:
One of the defining characteristics of lucky people is their willingness to embrace opportunities. They don't adhere rigidly to a single path to achieve their goals. This flexibility opens doors to new experiences and networks. Wiseman notes that sticking to the familiar—be it the same social circles, daily routes, or vacation spots—can limit one's potential for new opportunities. Lucky people, however, are more likely to venture into uncharted territories, thereby increasing their chances of encountering fortunate situations.
2. Trusting Their Intuition:
Lucky individuals often rely on their intuition to make decisions. Contrasting with unlucky people, who tend to be more anxious and indecisive, those who consider themselves lucky are usually quick decision-makers. This decisiveness, often driven by gut feelings, propels them into action and opens up more opportunities. According to Wiseman, this trust in one’s intuition can be a crucial factor in stumbling upon lucky breaks.
3. Maintaining Optimism:
Optimism is another hallmark of lucky people. In his research, Wiseman found that they tend to find a silver lining even in seemingly unlucky circumstances. For example, in a hypothetical scenario where a person is shot in the arm during a bank robbery, lucky individuals were more likely to see the situation as fortunate compared to unlucky ones. They might note that it could have been worse, or even consider the potential for turning the situation to their advantage, such as selling their story.
4. Possessing Resilience:
Resilience is key to maintaining a streak of luck. Lucky people have the ability to bounce back from setbacks. They often reframe their misfortunes, imagining how situations could have been worse, which in turn helps them feel better about themselves and their circumstances. This positive outlook sustains their high expectations for the future and perpetuates a cycle of good fortune.
The traits of lucky people, as identified by Richard Wiseman, are not just innate qualities but are habits and perspectives that can be cultivated. By being open to new opportunities, trusting our intuition, maintaining optimism, and staying resilient in the face of challenges, we can all tilt the scales in favor of becoming luckier in our own lives. Remember, luck isn't just a matter of chance; it's also a matter of choice and attitude.
Now for my very own recipe, I have created and am currently obsessed with:
Healthy Layered Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
3 whole eggs
3 egg whites
1 Large Sweet potato or yam
2 large Zucchini *optional
1 Large envy or Granny Smith apple
½ cup of plant milk (any variety)
Cinnamon (to taste)
Cardamom (to taste)
1 large sweet potato or yam, sliced thinly lengthwise
1 large zucchini, sliced thinly (optional)
1 large apple (preferably Envy or green apple), sliced thinly
Salt (a dash)
Coconut oil (for greasing)
Sweetener options: Maple syrup, blended dates, or monk fruit sweetener (optional and to taste)
Equipment:
Knife or mandolin slicer (use cutting gloves for safety)
Silicon or regular pie dish
Mixing bowl
Instructions:
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
Carefully slice the sweet potato, apple, and zucchini (if using) using a knife or a mandolin slicer. For safety, it's recommended to use cutting gloves when handling a mandolin.
Pie Dish Preparation:
Take a silicon or regular pie dish and lightly glaze or spread some coconut oil over the surface to prevent sticking.
Layering:
Begin layering the thinly sliced sweet potatoes, apples, and zucchini (optional) in the pie dish. Arrange them around the dish to create an even and aesthetic pattern.
Creating the Liquid Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole eggs, egg whites, and plant milk. Whisk them together until well mixed.
Add cinnamon and cardamom to the mixture, adjusting the quantity to your taste preference.
If you prefer a sweeter pie, add your choice of sweetener (maple syrup, blended dates, or monk fruit sweetener) to the mixture. Blend well.
Pouring the Mixture:
Once your layers are set in the pie dish, gently pour the liquid mixture over the layers, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
Sprinkle a dash of salt over the top.
Baking:
Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes.
Check periodically to ensure that the pie is cooking evenly. The pie is done when the liquid mixture has set, and the top is golden brown.
Serving:
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.
This healthy layered pie can be enjoyed as a unique and nutritious breakfast, brunch, or dessert option.
tip:Â The pie is versatile, and you can experiment with different types of vegetables and fruits as per your preference and seasonality.
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