The Four Types of Luck

Luck often seems like something out of our control, a random stroke of fortune that we either have or don’t. But what if luck isn’t entirely random? What if you could actually create your own luck? In fact, you can.

Reading Chase, Chance, and Creativity by Dr. James Austin, my perspective on luck changed, the book explores how luck can actually be categorized into four distinct types: Blind Luck, Luck from Motion, Luck from Awareness, and Luck from Preparedness.

Each type offers unique insights into how we can harness luck and create our own opportunities. Here’s a closer look at each of these types and how they can be applied to everyday life.

1. Blind Luck (Pure Chance)

This is the kind of luck that we typically think of as random – winning the lottery(still haven't), stumbling upon a great opportunity by sheer coincidence, or meeting someone who changes your life in an unexpected way. Blind luck is unpredictable and uncontrollable, making it the most frustrating type to rely on.

However, i think you can increase your chances of encountering blind luck by simply being open to new experiences. The more you put yourself out there – whether it’s attending events, trying new things, or meeting new people – the more likely you are to encounter these random opportunities. And while you can’t control when blind luck strikes, you can certainly make yourself more available to it.

2. Luck from Motion (Active Luck)

This type of luck happens when you are actively doing something and opportunities arise from your actions. It's the result of your energy, activity, and persistence. When you’re constantly moving, learning, and engaging, you create an environment where luck can find you.

Imagine a salesperson who constantly makes cold calls. Most of the time, they may face rejection, but every so often, they land a big client. That’s luck from motion. They put in the effort and created their own luck by being in the right place at the right time. The key to this type of luck is consistency and perseverance. The more you do, the more opportunities you create for luck to find you.

3. Luck from Awareness (Attentive Luck)

Attentive luck is all about awareness – being able to spot opportunities that others might miss. This type of luck comes to those who are observant and mindful of their surroundings. They see patterns, trends, and connections that others overlook, and they capitalize on these insights.

For example, an investor who notices a small but growing trend in the market and acts on it before it becomes mainstream is taking advantage of attentive luck. They are aware of their environment and use that awareness to create opportunities.

To develop this type of luck, cultivate curiosity and a keen sense of observation and experience. Stay informed about your industry, learn from others, and always be on the lookout for new possibilities. The more you train yourself to notice details, the more likely you are to find luck in unexpected places.

4. Luck from Preparedness (Destined Luck)

The fourth type of luck is the most powerful and reliable – it’s the luck that comes from being prepared. When you are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared for opportunities, you create your own luck. This type of luck is often mistaken for pure talent, but it’s really the result of hard work and preparation.

Think of a musician who practices for years before getting their big break. When the opportunity finally comes, they’re ready to seize it. That’s destined luck. They weren’t simply lucky; they created their own luck by being prepared for the opportunity when it arose.

To cultivate this type of luck, focus on building your skills and knowledge. Prepare yourself for the opportunities you want to seize, so that when they come your way, you’re ready to act. This type of luck is within your control – it’s a direct result of your efforts.

Bringing It All Together

Understanding the four types of luck can transform the way you approach opportunities. While some forms of luck may seem beyond your control, there are always ways to increase your chances of being “lucky.”

1. Embrace Blind Luck: Put yourself in new situations and be open to unexpected opportunities.

2. Create Luck from Motion: Stay active and persistent in your efforts.

3. Develop Luck from Awareness: Sharpen your observation skills and stay curious.

4. Build Luck from Preparedness: Focus on continuous learning and skill development.

By integrating these concepts into your life, you can start to create your own luck, turning chance encounters into life-changing opportunities. Luck isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about being the right person in the right place at the right time.

So, take control of your luck today. Whether it's through preparation, action, awareness, or simply being open to new experiences, the power to create your own luck is within your hands. What type of luck will you cultivate?ave or don’t. But what if luck isn’t entirely random? What if you could actually create your own luck? In fact, you can.

Reading Chase, Chance, and Creativity by Dr. James Austin, my perspective on luck changed, the book explores how luck can actually be categorized into four distinct types: Blind Luck, Luck from Motion, Luck from Awareness, and Luck from Preparedness.

Each type offers unique insights into how we can harness luck and create our own opportunities. Here’s a closer look at each of these types and how they can be applied to everyday life.

1. Blind Luck (Pure Chance)

This is the kind of luck that we typically think of as random – winning the lottery(still haven't), stumbling upon a great opportunity by sheer coincidence, or meeting someone who changes your life in an unexpected way. Blind luck is unpredictable and uncontrollable, making it the most frustrating type to rely on.

However, i think you can increase your chances of encountering blind luck by simply being open to new experiences. The more you put yourself out there – whether it’s attending events, trying new things, or meeting new people – the more likely you are to encounter these random opportunities. And while you can’t control when blind luck strikes, you can certainly make yourself more available to it.

2. Luck from Motion (Active Luck)

This type of luck happens when you are actively doing something and opportunities arise from your actions. It's the result of your energy, activity, and persistence. When you’re constantly moving, learning, and engaging, you create an environment where luck can find you.

Imagine a salesperson who constantly makes cold calls. Most of the time, they may face rejection, but every so often, they land a big client. That’s luck from motion. They put in the effort and created their own luck by being in the right place at the right time. The key to this type of luck is consistency and perseverance. The more you do, the more opportunities you create for luck to find you.

3. Luck from Awareness (Attentive Luck)

Attentive luck is all about awareness – being able to spot opportunities that others might miss. This type of luck comes to those who are observant and mindful of their surroundings. They see patterns, trends, and connections that others overlook, and they capitalize on these insights.

For example, an investor who notices a small but growing trend in the market and acts on it before it becomes mainstream is taking advantage of attentive luck. They are aware of their environment and use that awareness to create opportunities.

To develop this type of luck, cultivate curiosity and a keen sense of observation and experience. Stay informed about your industry, learn from others, and always be on the lookout for new possibilities. The more you train yourself to notice details, the more likely you are to find luck in unexpected places.

4. Luck from Preparedness (Destined Luck)

The fourth type of luck is the most powerful and reliable – it’s the luck that comes from being prepared. When you are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared for opportunities, you create your own luck. This type of luck is often mistaken for pure talent, but it’s really the result of hard work and preparation.

Think of a musician who practices for years before getting their big break. When the opportunity finally comes, they’re ready to seize it. That’s destined luck. They weren’t simply lucky; they created their own luck by being prepared for the opportunity when it arose.

To cultivate this type of luck, focus on building your skills and knowledge. Prepare yourself for the opportunities you want to seize, so that when they come your way, you’re ready to act. This type of luck is within your control – it’s a direct result of your efforts.

Bringing It All Together

Understanding the four types of luck can transform the way you approach opportunities. While some forms of luck may seem beyond your control, there are always ways to increase your chances of being “lucky.”

1. Embrace Blind Luck: Put yourself in new situations and be open to unexpected opportunities.

2. Create Luck from Motion: Stay active and persistent in your efforts.

3. Develop Luck from Awareness: Sharpen your observation skills and stay curious.

4. Build Luck from Preparedness: Focus on continuous learning and skill development.

By integrating these concepts into your life, you can start to create your own luck, turning chance encounters into life-changing opportunities. Luck isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about being the right person in the right place at the right time.

So, take control of your luck today. Whether it's through preparation, action, awareness, or simply being open to new experiences, the power to create your own luck is within your hands. What type of luck will you cultivate?