10 Ways to Make Luck Work for You There's no such thing as 'bad luck' or 'good luck.' You can create the conditions for success.
By Rose Leadem •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Luck isn't something that some people have while others don't.
Do you think Bill Gates just woke up as one of the richest men in the world? Or that Elon Musk built the Tesla Roadster overnight?
Although "luck" could be a part of it, hard work, a good attitude and perseverance are what really positioned these billionaires for success. By setting yourself up for good fortune through your attitude and activities, you can be "lucky" too. And you don't have to wait until Sept. 25, the "Luckiest Day" of 2016, to take advantage.
From being optimistic to letting go of lame superstitions, luck is just around the corner. Check out these 10 ways to increase your chances of success.
Paolo Cipriani | Getty ImagesLose the superstitions.
Tossing a coin in a fountain or finding a four-leaf clover doesn't mean anything. In fact, holding on to these silly superstitions will only hold you back.
Much of what we think of as "luck" or good fortune can actually be explained if you dive deep enough. Setting yourself up for golden opportunities, with the strategies below, is what can really make you lucky.
Ryan McVay | Getty ImagesCreate your own definition of “luck.”
Lucky people know what they are looking for. They have goals, plans and a clear idea of what they want to do.
Rather than chasing opportunities that seem "lucky," lucky people are critical about the opportunities that come their way and have criteria that lets them filter through and find what's most fitting for them.
Sean Malyon | Getty ImagesBe optimistic.
Optimistic people naturally create their own luck. People who identify as "unlucky" hold the belief that bad luck simply happens to them. This is false.
Viewing the world with extreme optimism makes you more resilient. When faced with an unfortunate situation, a "lucky" person's response is better than that of an "unlucky" person. An unlucky person might dwell on his or her misfortune, but a lucky person will simply get back up and move on.
King Lawrence | Getty ImagesBe curious.
Lucky people know there is always more to learn. They carry a sense of wonder with them wherever they go and inquire about the oddities around them. They are eager to learn everything and anything.
Morsa Images | Getty ImagesBe proactive.
Lucky people don't sit around and wait for luck to be bestowed upon them. Instead, they make stuff happen. They network, research, read books -- they are motivated and consistently moving forward. They spend their time on things such as building a business or pursuing a passion. They are constantly learning, exploring and discovering.
Adriana Varela Photography | Getty ImagesBuild off strengths.
Lucky people don't waste their time on petty opportunities. They seek opportunities that build off their skills, strengths and passions. They understand that an idea or opportunity will only take off when there is power behind it.
Pete Saloutos | Getty ImagesNever settle.
A lucky person gives everything their all. They understand that there's no point in pursuing an opportunity halfway.
They carry the mindset that there is no "finish line." This idea gives their luck perpetual life and the ability to keep growing and improving.
PeopleImages | Getty ImagesTrust your gut.
No more saying "I knew that! Why didn't I listen to myself?" after the fact.
Rather than taking the easy way out or stressing about a decision, listen to your intuition. That gut feeling will guide you in the direction you really want to go.
Absodels | Getty ImagesShoot for the stars.
As cliche as it sounds, lucky people dream big. By possessing the mindset that opportunities are limitless and no goal is too big or unrealistic, lucky people aim as high as possible. Even if they don't get there, they're steps above where they were before.
Hero Images | Getty ImagesWork hard.
It's as simple as that. You'll never be "lucky" if you don't work hard. Working hard and pushing to be the best will drive your success, and in turn create a "luckier" future.
