Can You Make Your Own Luck?

I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

-Thomas Jefferson

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on Wednesday, bringing to mind images of four-leaf clovers and other lucky charms like horseshoes, dice, wishbones, ladybugs or the number 7, to name a few. Superstitions are entertaining but there are also some practical strategies you can use to position yourself to receive more “luck” in your life:

• Be prepared and open to opportunities. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” -Seneca. To be in the right place at the right time, you first have to show up and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Acquire the skills and experiences right now that you will need to achieve your long-term goals and then, when luck strikes, you will be ready to take advantage of your good fortune.

• Be reliable and kind. Follow through on your promises and, whenever possible, lend your talents to help others. Being invested and loyal to others will help you build a strong network of support that can pave the way for you in the future - in the form of an opportunity or even job recommendation - because your contacts think highly of you.

• Trust your gut and visualize good fortune. Have a clear vision of your ambitions, and be prepared for success in whatever form it takes. By moving forward confidently, you can more easily recognize opportunities when they show up or create your own as you seek the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.