The Four Types of Luck: How to Increase Your Chances of Success
Luck is not just chance. Learn the 4 types of luck and how to increase your chances of experiencing them.
Luck is often defined as chance events that happen unexpectedly and have a positive or negative outcome. While luck is seen as something unpredictable, out of our control and often used as a way to discredit the success of others, I recently stumbled into a concept that challenges these perspectives - and I was truly shocked that it is not widely shared yet!
The concept of the four types of luck is attributed to a neurologist and Zen Buddhist named Dr. James Austin. He proposed the concept in his 1978 book, Chase, Chance, & Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty, arguing that we can increase our chances of success by taking steps to increase our luck from motion, awareness, and uniqueness. He also believed that by being aware of the possibility of blind luck, we can be more prepared to take advantage of it when it happens.
The Four Types of Luck Framework have been influential in several fields, including business, entrepreneurship, and personal development. It is a reminder that luck is not just something that happens to us randomly, but rather something that we can influence by taking action, being open to new opportunities, and being ourselves.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." — Seneca
The Four Types of Luck:
Blind luck: The type of luck that is completely random and beyond your control - which we usually categorize any form of luck as. For example, you might win the lottery or get hit by a lightning bolt.
Luck from motion: The type of luck that you create by taking action and putting yourself out there. For example, you might meet a potential employer at a networking event or get a job offer because you applied for it.
Luck from awareness: The type of luck that you attract by being open to new opportunities and possibilities. For example, you might notice a help wanted sign for a job that you're interested in or meet someone who gives you a tip about a great business opportunity.
Luck from uniqueness: The type of luck that you create by being yourself and sharing your unique talents and gifts with the world. For example, this blog I run on Substack and the exposure it gives me.
Increasing Your Chances of Getting Lucky:
Blind Luck
Blind luck is the most difficult type of luck to influence. In his book, Dr. Austin gives the example of a scientist who stumbles upon a discovery while working on another experiment. Or a writer who comes up with a brilliant idea for a new book while taking a walk in the park.
Additionally, it is also important to note that blind luck is not always positive. We can also experience blind bad luck, such as getting into a car accident or being diagnosed with a serious illness. However, even when we experience bad luck, we can still learn and grow from the experience.
While blind luck is unpredictable, it is important to remember that it is always a possibility. We should be open to the unexpected and always be prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Things you can do to increase your chances of experiencing blind luck:
Put yourself in the right place at the right time. The more exposure to opportunities you have, the more likely you are to experience blind luck.
Be open to new experiences. If you're always doing the same things, you're less likely to experience blind luck. Try new things and meet new people.
Be optimistic. A positive attitude can attract good things into your life. You must believe in yourself and in your ability to succeed.
Luck From Motion
Luck from motion is the type of luck that you create by taking action and putting yourself out there. It is not about being perfect or doing everything right. It is about taking action and learning from our mistakes.
In his book, Dr. Austin describes luck from motion as the "most important type of luck." He argues that by taking action, we increase our chances of coming across opportunities and meeting people who can help us achieve our goals.
Things you can do to increase your luck from motion:
Set goals and take action towards achieving them. Don't just sit around and wait for luck to happen to you - it won’t. Set goals for yourself and take action towards achieving them.
Don't be afraid to fail. Don't let the fear of failure stop you from taking risks - it is not only part of life, but essential to growth.
Be persistent. Don't give up on your goals easily. Stay on track long enough to see the fruits of your dedication.
Luck From Awareness
Luck from awareness is the type of luck that you attract by being open to new opportunities and possibilities. Sometimes our minds are so clustered by noise or we get so comfortable where we currently are, that it prevents us from seeing further.
The more aware you are of your surroundings and the opportunities that are available to you, the more likely you are to experience luck from awareness.
Things you can do to increase your luck from awareness:
Pay attention to your surroundings. Be mindful of the people you meet and the things you see. You never know when you might come across an opportunity.
Set intentions. What do you want to attract into your life? Once you know what you want, focus on it and be open to receiving it.
Keep a gratitude journal. Writing down the things that you are grateful for can help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. It can also help you to attract more good things into your life.
Luck From Uniqueness
Luck from uniqueness is the type of luck that you create by being yourself and sharing your unique talents and gifts with the world. The more authentic you are, the more likely you are to attract people and opportunities that are aligned with your values and goals.
“We do not attract what we want, but what we are.” — James Allen
Things you can do to increase your luck from uniqueness:
Be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. People are drawn to those who are genuine and authentic.
Share your talents and gifts with the world. Find ways to use your unique talents and gifts to help others and make a difference in the world. The more you share your gifts, the more good luck you will attract.
Define and be true to your values. Make decisions and take actions that are aligned with your values. When you live a life that is true to your values, you will naturally attract people and opportunities that are aligned with them.
I made peace with the fact that I have been extremely lucky my entire life - and I am glad for the unconscious efforts I always made to cultivate it. From the family I was born into, the outcome of the choices I made, the opportunities people I met have provided me, the amazing wife I am married to, and my courage to continuously expose myself.
I am sure you can relate to these circumstances in your own life. And now, by understanding and using the four types of luck, we can consciously use them to increase our chances of achieving our goals.
Best regards,
Luimar
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Reference(s):
Austin, J. (1978). Chase, chance, & creativity: The lucky art of novelty. Prentice-Hall.
Seneca, L. A. (n.d.). Letters from a Stoic: Seneca to Lucilius. Penguin Classics.
Zen and The Brain. (n.d.). Biography. Retrieved from http://www.zenandthebrain.com/biography.html