Do we make our own luck?
The other week was far from ideal. I experienced a serious bout of “baby brain,” leading me to mix up the days and times of three different client calls, which left me feeling extremely guilty.
The rest of the week was supposed to unfold as follows:
- Wednesday: Recording day for the Academy resources.
- Wednesday night: Head off for two nights in the Lake District with friends, children’s Halloween discos, and all things fun.
What actually happened:
- Wednesday: My partner’s apprentice called in sick (he’s an electrician), so Will had to undertake a five-hour overnight job. No trip to the Lake District on Wednesday evening!
- I arranged emergency childcare with my lovely mum so I could still prepare the Academy material.
- Then, Paz developed colic, necessitating a rush to the hospital with the potential for surgery. (He’s now stable, thank goodness.) We returned home at 11:30 pm.
- Thursday morning: We waited to see how Paz was doing. He received the all-clear, and with my husband home, we finally set off to the Lakes—just what we needed!
- Upon arrival, Owen came down with a fever and was sick. I’m writing this while lying next to him in bed during our one remaining night.
You might say that’s not great luck, but bear with me. I believe that these significant moments, both happy and challenging, come and go. The real power lies in consistency—that’s where true luck is made.
Yesterday, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, as you can imagine. But as I lay here, I felt extremely grateful for three things, all resulting from consistency:
- Client Engagement: While cuddling Owen, I received notifications for three new consultation calls. These were a result of my consistent social media posts and newsletters. After feeling I had let clients down all week, this revived my spirits.
- Personal Well-being: I realized that, for the first time in years, despite Owen being unwell, I felt remarkably okay—not too exhausted—even after the week I’d had. This is due to my consistent intake of water, fruits, and vegetables.
- Emotional Resilience: Despite the week’s challenges, I am happy and content. Although I’ve had a dip day or two (it would be dishonest to say I haven’t), as I write this now, I feel back on form and excited. This is a result of consistently practicing gratitude every single day.
So, I urge you: don’t focus solely on the big ups and downs. Concentrate on the daily habits and routines—the little things—that truly hold it all together.
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The Science Behind Making Our Own Luck
The concept of “making your own luck” is supported by scientific research, suggesting that our attitudes and behaviors significantly influence the opportunities we encounter. Psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman’s studies indicate that individuals who consider themselves lucky often engage in behaviors that create favorable circumstances. These behaviors include maintaining an open mind, embracing new experiences, and trusting their intuition.
Similarly, Dr. Christian Busch, in his work on the “serendipity mindset,” emphasizes that cultivating certain habits can enhance our ability to recognize and act upon unexpected opportunities. By developing a mindset attuned to serendipity, we can effectively “create our own luck.”
Daily Mindset Habits to Cultivate
Incorporating consistent daily habits can significantly bolster our mental resilience and overall well-being. Here are some practices to consider:
- Gratitude Journaling: Regularly noting things you’re thankful for can shift your focus toward positivity and enhance emotional resilience.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Engaging in mindfulness helps you stay present, reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
- Physical Activity: Incorporating regular exercise into your routine boosts mood and energy levels, contributing to better mental health.
- Continuous Learning: Pursuing new skills or knowledge keeps your mind engaged and fosters a growth mindset.
- Social Connections: Maintaining strong relationships provides emotional support and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental well-being.
By integrating these habits into your daily life, you not only enhance your mental resilience but also position yourself to recognize and seize opportunities, effectively “making your own luck.”
For a deeper understanding of cultivating serendipity, you might find Dr. Christian Busch’s TEDx talk insightful:
Wishing you a week filled with consistency and the creation of your own luck!