On the flip side, "good luck" is often the result of an open and observant mind. In his research on the psychology of luck, Dr. Richard Wiseman found that people who consider themselves "lucky" tend to be more relaxed and open to new experiences. Because they aren't hyper-focused on a single goal, they notice "lucky" opportunities that others might walk right past.

Harder to be "unlucky" with a deadline if you finish it a day early.

A "lucky" person might see a missed flight as a chance to read a new book or meet someone interesting at the airport lounge. They take the same raw data—an unexpected delay—and process it through a lens of opportunity rather than catastrophe. When they say "just my luck," they might actually mean it with a smile. Creating Your Own Fortune

Say yes to new invitations, take different routes to work, and talk to strangers. The more people and situations you encounter, the higher the probability of a "lucky" break.

Just My Luck: Redefining the Roll of the Dice The phrase "just my luck" is almost always whispered with a sigh, usually right after a piece of toast lands butter-side down or a sudden downpour ruins a freshly washed car. It is a linguistic white flag, a way of acknowledging that the universe seems to have a personal vendetta against our plans. However, when we look closer at the "luck" we claim to possess, we find that it isn't a fixed curse or a random cosmic lottery; it is often a matter of perspective and preparedness. The Myth of the "Unlucky" Person

"Just my luck" doesn't have to be a complaint. It can be a recognition of the wild, unpredictable nature of life. We cannot control the wind, but we can certainly adjust our sails. The next time things don't go according to plan, remember that luck is rarely a permanent state of being—it’s just the next roll of the dice, and you’re still in the game.

When something goes wrong, ask, "What does this make possible?"

If luck is largely a matter of mindset and preparation, then "luckiness" is a skill that can be developed. To change your luck, you can: