THE SECRET TO BEING "LUCKY"

Why do some people seem to have all the luck? They're always in the right place at the right time. Their businesses prosper. They get one fantastic promotion after another. In short: they enjoy phenomenal success. What explains it? Are they doing something special, or is good fortune selecting them by chance?

For a moment, let's put aside winning the lottery-which seems to be a random type of luck-and instead focus on those who consistently achieve extraordinary results in their lives. Often, we attribute their accomplishments to random luck. However, after studying the lives of these people, I've discovered that there's more to it than that. Indeed, these people seem to benefit from something I'll call "created luck."

People who create their own luck have certain traits in common. Here are the secrets for deliberately bringing luck into your life:

1. Be proactive. Show me a consistently lucky person and I'll show you someone who doesn't sit back waiting for good fortune to pay a visit. Indeed, lucky people put themselves in a position to win by continually taking action in pursuit of their goals.
   
   
2. Have a dynamic, positive attitude. It has been proven that we attract what we think about most. People who get the breaks believe in themselves and in their abilities. They picture themselves reaching their goals and are secure in the knowledge that they'll master any and all challenges that come their way. Therefore, to become a magnet for exceptional achievements, maintain a confident outlook and concentrate on success!
   
   
3. Possess a burning desire. Aside from being positive, lucky people are passionate about achieving their goals. They're always on the lookout to seize an opportunity, and you can bet they'll bring enthusiasm and energy to the quest.
   
   
4. Be prepared. Earl Nightingale said it superbly: "If you are not prepared for your opportunity when it comes, the opportunity will only make you look silly." Lucky people are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to perform at their maximum. They are learners and hard workers. Whatever activity they are engaged in, you'll find them reading, practicing and picking the brains of successful people in that field. And they realize that the preparation must be done before the fantastic opportunity presents itself.
   
   
5. Display incredible persistence and a long-term perspective. Most people want a lucky break and they want it NOW! If only success were that easy! Examine the lives of highly accomplished people and you'll find that virtually each one overcame years of frustration and setback, the few who refuse to quit when success is nowhere on the horizon are the ones who eventually achieve the "impossible."
   
   
6. Pay your dues. Lucky individuals are willing to start small and work their way up. For instance, in high school and in college, Michael Jordan wasn't the world's best basketball player. Likewise, Oprah Winfrey didn't begin her career as a host of her own national television show. They developed their skills over time and earned the right to capitalize on their opportunities.
   
   
7. Create crystal clear objectives. Clarity is power. Lucky people know what they want to accomplish and can visualize the end result in vivid detail. They are motivated by an exciting picture that they seek to bring into reality. You just don't get very far with a vague notion that you want to be "happy" or "successful."
   
   
8. Demonstrate flexibility. Let's face it, no matter how well prepared you are, you can never anticipate all the setbacks and detours you'll encounter. Lucky people monitor their progress and make adjustments when appropriate. When a particular strategy isn't working, they don't complain and curse their bad luck; they just make a change. In addition, they are extremely open - and able to take advantage of - new opportunities that may arise as they pursue their original goal.
   
   
9. Be a risk-taker. This isn't about foolish, unprepared gambles. However, phenomenal, ground-breaking success is usually reserved for those who will venture into unknown territory.
   In the end, successful people make their own luck. George Bernard Shaw may have said it best: "The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and, if they can't find them, they make them."