Our mindset is really a powerful thing. I frequently write and speak about research that demonstrates how our perceptions of the planet influence our reality. One of the most extensive discussed studies in this field comes from the compelling work of honorable psychologist Ellen Langer, who acknowledged how focusing on the feelings, actions and thoughts of elderly men intensely impacted their physical and psychological well-being.
Recently another provocative study came up, which looked at how our viewpoint and beliefs about fortune also influence our drive to be successful.
A study found that our thinking or beliefs about luck can be separated into two camps: fleeting or stable. As the name says, the 1st group would be those who feel that fortune is stable, a fairly constant phenomenon. Basically, this set believes that people are usually either unlucky or lucky. These people would say that they constantly have good fate or they just consider themselves to be “lucky.” on the other hand, the individuals who see luck as fleeting would be more likely to believe that fortune follows an erratic pattern of ups and downs.
The most interesting thing about this study was how the participants’ beliefs about luck impacted their drive for accomplishment. People who saw their luck as steady tended to have a considerably higher drive to be successful than those who see it as fleeting. The research also figured out that part of the connection between achievement and luck was attributable to the reality that people who possessed constant luck beliefs also felt they had extra control. This makes sense: If one feels that the luck is stable, and within the sphere of influence, one is much more likely to persist towards the objectives and goals. Though, if you view luck as a really random phenomenon, you may speculate, what is the point? This skepticism can efficiently weaken your desire to push on.
Based on research, you may desire to revisit how you view luck, because doing so might actually be the key to getting better yours. Viewing luck, or “breaks” as beyond your power could considerably dent the probability of your future accomplishment.
Although simply in design, this research has a significant element for us to consider. Deep down, how do we see luck? If we can internalize a view of it as stable rather than fleeting, we can maximize not only our luck generally, but our success as well.
So what’s your view now? Do you feel lucky?
