Understanding the Four Types of Luck: How to Create Your Own Opportunities

Discover the four types of luck—blind luck, luck from motion, luck from awareness, and luck from uniqueness. Learn how to increase your luck surface area and create more opportunities for success.
Apr 26 / Erinn Rist

Luck – it's a concept that has fascinated humanity for centuries. From ancient myths to modern psychology, the idea of luck permeates our lives, influencing our decisions, experiences, and outcomes. But what exactly is luck, and can we actively increase our share of it?

Luck takes various forms, from chance events to serendipitous opportunities. According to experts like Dr. Richard Wiseman and Naval Ravikant, luck isn't entirely random; our mindset and actions influence it. Max Gunther introduces the "luck surface area," suggesting we can boost our luck by exposing ourselves to more opportunities. While some cultures embrace luck through symbols and rituals, skeptics prioritize skill and effort, questioning the role of luck altogether.

Dr. James H. Austin, a neurologist and Zen practitioner, presents four types of luck in his book "Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty." The types of luck are:

Type I: Blind Luck

Occurrences beyond our control; purely accidental.

  • Finding a winning lottery ticket lying on the ground during their morning walk.
  • Being born into a wealthy family.
  • A family purchases a small ceramic bowl for $3 at a garage sale, only to discover it was a rare thousand-year-old Chinese artifact from the Northern Song Dynasty, later sold at auction for $2.2 million by Sotheby's in 2013.

Type II: Luck from Motion

Opportunities for luck increase through activity, exploration, and taking action.

  • An entrepreneur launches a successful business venture after thorough market research and networking.
  • A traveler discovers hidden gems by exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and engaging with locals.
  • Author J.K. Rowling faced rejection but persisted, submitting her manuscript to multiple publishers until Bloomsbury Publishing took a chance on her debut novel, resulting in the globally beloved Harry Potter series.

Type III: Luck from Awareness

Preparedness and expertise enable you to recognize or "spot" lucky opportunities.

  • A seasoned investor identifies a lucrative investment opportunity in a niche market due to their deep understanding of industry trends and market dynamics.
  • A talented musician seizes an unexpected chance to collaborate with a renowned artist, recognizing the potential for creative synergy and career advancement.
  • Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, drew upon his decades of experience and acute understanding of market trends. Amidst the 2008 financial crisis, Buffett promptly identified the value in investing $5 billion in Goldman Sachs. His astute awareness of market dynamics and unwavering confidence in his investment philosophy enabled him to seize the opportunity, ultimately reaping substantial returns as the economy rebounded.

Type IV: Luck from Uniqueness

Fortunate outcomes attracted by unique qualities, perspectives, or approaches.

  • An artist gains recognition for their unique style and creative vision.
  • A consultant secures contracts for their innovative problem-solving approach.
  • Media mogul Oprah Winfrey's unparalleled ability to connect with audiences and champion social causes, coupled with her authentic storytelling, propelled her from a troubled upbringing to becoming one of the most influential figures in the world.

Can you expand your luck surface area?

First off, the first type of luck, known as "blind luck," is different from the others. Blind luck is when things happen purely by chance, like winning the lottery, being born into a wealthy family, or finding a garage sale gem. You have no influence whatsoever on this kind of luck.

It's good to be thankful for good luck when it happens, but relying on chance alone can trap you. Heed the cautionary tale that waiting around for luck to happen can make you dependent on things you can't control.

But what about the luck you can influence? Fortunately there are a few strategies to help you:

Increasing Luck from Motion:

  • Engage in Regular Exploration: Make a habit of exploring new places, ideas, or activities outside your comfort zone. This could involve visiting unfamiliar neighborhoods, attending events outside your usual interests, or trying out new hobbies.
  • Take Consistent Action: Identify one small step you can take towards your goals each day and commit to following through. Whether it's reaching out to a potential mentor, attending a networking event, or starting a new project, consistent action increases your chances of encountering opportunities.

Increasing Luck from Awareness:

  • Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, or trusted advisors to gain valuable insights into your blind spots and areas for improvement. Embracing constructive criticism can help broaden your perspective and enhance your ability to recognize opportunities.
  • Stay Curious: Cultivate a curious mindset and ask questions to uncover hidden insights and connections. Engage in conversations with diverse individuals, explore different viewpoints, and remain open to new ideas and possibilities. Curiosity fuels your awareness and encourages exploration, leading to the discovery of unexpected opportunities.

Increasing Luck from Uniqueness:

  • Embrace Your Authenticity: Celebrate what makes you unique and embrace your individuality. Rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations, honor your true self and express your unique qualities, perspectives, and approaches authentically.
  • Cultivate Creativity: Dedicate time to nurturing your creative abilities and exploring new ways of thinking. Engage in creative activities such as writing, painting, or brainstorming ideas to cultivate innovation and unlock new opportunities aligned with your unique talents.

Bringing It Home:

In the journey of life, luck often smiles upon those who courageously seize opportunities and take bold actions. Remember, fortune stands beside those who dare to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. Just as the Latin proverb 'Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat' reminds us, fortune favors the bold. By embracing challenges and trusting in your ability to shape your own destiny, you can defy the odds and create your own luck on the path to success.

References:

  • Naval Ravikant: Naval's How to Get Rich (without getting lucky)
  • Max Gunther: "The Luck Factor"
  • Dr. James H. Austin: "Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty"
  • Dr. Richard Wiseman: "The Luck Factor: The Scientific Study of the Lucky Mind"
  • Belief in Luck and Precognition Around the World by Emily A. Harris

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