Let me share a research example that illustrates the idea. In one study, participants were divided into two groups: those who considered themselves lucky and those who saw themselves as unlucky. Scientists gave them a simple task - look through a newspaper and count the number of images. They were told they would receive $250 for completing the task and should finish as quickly as possible.

The self-identified unlucky participants took about 2.5 minutes to complete the task. The “lucky” participants finished in just eleven seconds.

Why such a huge difference?

On the second page of the newspaper, there was a large message: “There are 42 images in this newspaper. Stop counting and claim your prize.” The lucky participants noticed it immediately. The unlucky ones didn’t see it at all.

It wasn’t that they were less intelligent or less capable - their attention was simply narrower. Their belief that they were unlucky made them focus only on the task, filtering out unexpected opportunities.

The “lucky” participants, on the other hand, were more open and observant. When they saw the message, they recognized the opportunity and acted on it.

This is what often separates successful people from others. They notice opportunities that others overlook. Sometimes, it’s not about luck at all - it’s about what you allow yourself to see.

Have you ever heard the statement:

He co-founded AngelList, which transformed how start-ups raise capital, and gained global recognition for his ideas on wealth creation and happiness, shared through podcasts and social media.

What he means is simple: pessimists often focus on risks and problems, which can make them sound thoughtful and analytical—but it also holds them back from taking action. Optimists, on the other hand, are more willing to take calculated risks and act on opportunities, which is why they’re more likely to create success and, ultimately, wealth.

What if I told you that you can teach yourself to be “lucky” and steadily increase your chances of success over time?

Here are some my practical ideas inspired by Nir Eyal, who is an author, speaker, and expert in behavioral design.

Whatever your goal is - launching a product, closing a deal, gaining subscribers, starting a podcast, or even finding a romantic partner- you need to adopt one powerful belief.

You just need:

If you knew this for certain, would you still try to avoid failure?

Of course not. You would start chasing those failures, because each one would bring you closer to the outcome you want.

That’s the mindset shift.

Failure stops being something to avoid and becomes something to collect. Each attempt increases your surface area for luck - it puts you in motion, exposes you to more opportunities, and sharpens your skills.

This is what you need to master: learning to look forward to failure, because every single one moves you closer to success. When you train your brain to embrace and even enjoy the process, you naturally increase your chances of getting “lucky.”

One of the simplest ways to increase your luck is by talking to more people.

Speak with colleagues at work, people at the gym, attendees at business events, or even someone sitting next to you in a waiting room. Each conversation expands your luck surface - your exposure to unexpected opportunities.

You never know which interaction might matter. A casual conversation could lead to someone remembering you when an opportunity comes up, or connecting you with exactly the person you’ve been looking for. Often, the right door opens through the most ordinary moments.

Don’t just make small talk - share your ideas, your plans, and even the problems you’re trying to solve. This gives others a chance to help, collaborate, or point you in a new direction.

Nir Eyal describes a similar idea through what he calls entrepreneurial alertness¹ - the ability to step outside your comfort zone, stay open, and notice opportunities through interactions with others.

The more you engage with people, the more chances you create for luck to find you.

You can actively attract more opportunities by showing genuine gratitude.

Thank people for their contribution to your growth. Simple phrases go a long way:

“Thank you - this conversation really meant a lot to me.”
“I appreciate you sharing that insight.”
“Thank you for your time and engagement.”
“That workshop was incredible - I learned a lot.”
“I truly appreciate your feedback.”

Don’t miss opportunities to acknowledge others and let them know they’ve had a positive impact on you.

Gratitude strengthens relationships. The more you express it, the more you expand your network of goodwill - and that naturally creates more opportunities.

Over time, you’ll notice something interesting: people come back to you. They remember how you made them feel, and they’re more willing to help, collaborate, or open doors for you. It’s not luck in the traditional sense - it’s the result of building genuine, positive connections.