Luck is a concept that has fascinated humanity for centuries, weaving its way through folklore, philosophy, and modern science. It’s the invisible force we invoke when we win a raffle, narrowly escape disaster, or stumble upon an unexpected opportunity. But is luck merely a random occurrence, or is there a science behind it that allows some people to seemingly attract good fortune more than others? Recent research in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science suggests that luck may not be as capricious as it seems. By understanding the mechanisms that underpin lucky outcomes, we can adopt strategies to tilt the scales of fortune in our favor.
At its core, luck is often defined as the occurrence of events beyond one’s control that have a significant impact, positive or negative, on one’s life. A lucky person might find a $20 bill on the sidewalk or meet a future business partner by chance at a coffee shop. An unlucky person, conversely, might miss a flight due to a traffic jam or lose a job opportunity because of an untimely illness. While these events appear random, psychologists argue that luck is less about chance and more about how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. This perspective shifts luck from an external force to a phenomenon influenced by mindset, behavior, and decision-making.
One of the pioneering figures in the study of luck is psychologist Richard Wiseman, who spent years researching why some people seem consistently luckier than others. Wiseman’s work suggests that luck is not an inherent trait or a mystical gift but a product of specific psychological habits. In his studies, he found that self-described lucky people tend to exhibit three key characteristics: they maximize chance opportunities, listen to their intuition, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of setbacks. These traits, Wiseman argues, create a “luck mindset” that primes individuals to notice and seize opportunities that others might overlook.
Maximizing chance opportunities is perhaps the most actionable component of this luck mindset. Lucky people are often described as being in the right place at the right time, but this positioning is rarely accidental. They actively create environments conducive to serendipity by expanding their social networks, trying new experiences, and staying open to change. For example, a person who regularly attends industry conferences or strikes up conversations with strangers is more likely to encounter unexpected opportunities than someone who sticks to a rigid routine. This behavior aligns with the concept of “network theory” in sociology, which posits that diverse, loosely connected networks increase the likelihood of accessing novel information and resources. By casting a wide net, lucky individuals increase their exposure to potential windfalls.
Intuition also plays a critical role in the science of luck. Often dismissed as a vague or unreliable guide, intuition is increasingly understood as the brain’s ability to process subtle cues and patterns below the level of conscious awareness. Neuroscientific research has shown that the brain’s prefrontal cortex and amygdala work together to generate gut feelings that can guide decision-making in uncertain situations. Lucky people tend to trust these instincts, whether it’s a hunch to take a different route to work or a feeling that a particular job opportunity is worth pursuing. Wiseman’s experiments demonstrated that individuals who followed their intuition in decision-making tasks were more likely to achieve positive outcomes than those who relied solely on logic or ignored their gut feelings. Cultivating intuition, then, involves paying attention to these subtle signals and practicing mindfulness to distinguish between genuine instincts and emotional noise.
A positive outlook is the third pillar of the luck mindset, and its impact cannot be overstated. Optimism shapes how individuals interpret and respond to events, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth. In one of Wiseman’s studies, participants were asked to imagine a scenario in which they were shot during a bank robbery. Self-described lucky individuals were more likely to see a silver lining, such as being grateful for surviving, while unlucky individuals focused on their misfortune. This difference in perspective has tangible effects: optimistic people are more resilient, more likely to persist in the face of failure, and better equipped to spot opportunities in challenging situations. Positive psychology research supports this, showing that optimism is linked to better health outcomes, stronger relationships, and greater career success—all of which contribute to a sense of being “lucky.”
Beyond mindset, behavior plays a significant role in shaping luck. The concept of “preparation meeting opportunity,” often attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca, underscores the importance of readiness in capitalizing on chance events. Lucky people tend to be proactive, taking steps to develop skills, build relationships, and stay informed about their fields. When an unexpected opportunity arises—say, a last-minute invitation to pitch a project—they are ready to act. This preparedness is not about predicting the future but about creating a foundation that allows one to pivot quickly when fortune knocks. Behavioral economists refer to this as “option value,” the benefit of keeping multiple pathways open to respond to unforeseen possibilities.
Interestingly, the science of luck also intersects with the study of probability and decision-making. While luck is often associated with randomness, humans are notoriously poor at understanding probability. The gambler’s fallacy, for instance, leads people to believe that a string of bad luck must be followed by good luck, even though each event is independent. Conversely, the “hot hand” phenomenon causes people to overestimate the likelihood of continued success after a lucky streak. Understanding these cognitive biases can help individuals make better decisions, avoiding the trap of chasing losses or becoming overconfident. By grounding their actions in a realistic assessment of probabilities, people can create conditions that maximize positive outcomes over time.
Cultural and environmental factors also influence perceptions of luck. In some cultures, luck is tied to rituals or superstitions, such as carrying a lucky charm or avoiding certain numbers. While these practices may not directly alter outcomes, they can have a placebo effect, boosting confidence and reducing anxiety. A 2010 study in the journal Psychological Science found that individuals who performed superstitious rituals before a task performed better than those who did not, likely because the rituals increased their sense of control. Similarly, socioeconomic factors shape access to opportunities that might be perceived as lucky. A person born into a supportive environment with access to education and networks has a structural advantage in encountering “lucky” breaks, highlighting the interplay between individual agency and systemic factors.
Can you make yourself luckier? The evidence suggests that while you cannot control every twist of fate, you can significantly influence your luck through deliberate practices. Start by embracing openness to new experiences, whether it’s trying a new hobby, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or connecting with people outside your usual circle. These actions increase the likelihood of serendipitous encounters. Next, hone your intuition by reflecting on past decisions and noticing when your gut feelings were correct. Meditation and journaling can help sharpen this inner compass. Finally, cultivate optimism by reframing challenges as opportunities and focusing on what you can control rather than dwelling on setbacks.
Practical exercises can also enhance your luck. Wiseman recommends keeping a “luck diary” to record positive events and opportunities each day, which trains the brain to notice good fortune. Another strategy is to periodically break from routine—take a different route to work, eat at a new restaurant, or attend an event outside your comfort zone. These small disruptions can lead to unexpected connections or insights. Additionally, setting “luck goals” can help you identify specific areas where you’d like to invite more fortune, such as career advancement or personal relationships, and take targeted actions to create opportunities in those domains.
The science of luck challenges the notion that good fortune is purely a matter of chance. By adopting a luck mindset, preparing for opportunities, and navigating the world with optimism and intuition, individuals can create a self-fulfilling cycle of positive outcomes. While no one can guarantee a life free of misfortune, the evidence is clear: luck is not just something that happens to you—it’s something you can cultivate. As you move through the world with curiosity, resilience, and an open heart, you may find that luck, like a faithful companion, begins to walk by your side more often.