Does Luck Exist?
March has may of us thinking about the “luck of the Irish”.
Here’s my appearance on WTVR CBS Virginia This Morning from March 15, 2019, where I was brought in to answer the question: Does luck exist?
The clear question we are actually answering here is: Will I do anything to promote neuroscience… including wearing silly leprechaun socks on television?
In addition to that… I am talking about the neuroscience behind luck.
Key points from the video, in case you’d rather read than watch:
Luck exists when we perceive it exists. It’s all about perspective. How do we interpret a situation? Here’s an example: “I had a lousy week! I got a flat tire and my daughter got sick. So unlucky.” OR… “I was so lucky that I got a flat tire near a shop that took my full coverage insurance and I found a great coffee shop while I was waiting! And I lucked out that I got the last appointment available at the pediatrician’s office.”
Do lucky items work? Yes. These items or talismans (rabbit’s foot, lucky hat, etc.) can inspire confidence and allow you to achieve beyond your limitations, like Dumbo and his lucky feather helping him fly. Research actually supports that people who have these talismans may compete harder and perform better. Think of them as psychological boosters for your body.
Can you over-rely on a lucky talisman? Of course. Our perception of luck has to do with how our brains are wired to connect a network of ideas and items. If we come to overly believe that a lucky item results in a fortuitous outcome, we might forget that the strength and confidence to achieve actually comes from yourself.
If you feel unlucky, you will be. People who are optimistic will make more eye contact, carry confident demeaner, have positive interactions, and be open to opportunities as they arise. Pessimists, however, may carry themselves like a turtle closed off in its shell, sheltered from possible fortuitous chances. They not only miss out on “good luck”, but may even increase their amount of “bad luck” by missing the positive side of events.
Extraversion is correlated with luck. The more people you come in contact with, the more likely you are to create a business contact, romantic relationship, new friend, or other advantageous connection. Not a natural extrovert? Try to gently push yourself out of comfort zone to increase your circle of acquaintances to set yourself up for further success. Note that whether you’re a natural extrovert or one who has to work at it a bit, once you have a positive interaction, it will feels good, and provide positive reinforcement so that you can keep it going. Ride that high and have another chat!
When good things happen, our brain’s reward centers respond and release pleasure chemicals like the neurotransmitter dopamine. Our brains are continually seeking to make good things happen over and over again. When they do, your brain will link that great feeling to whatever is around… making it lucky!
While it may seem a bit silly and fun to think about the neuroscience behind luck -and it makes a nice “fluff piece” for a morning news show!- the reality is that there are some important concepts here:
We make our own luck based on our behavior and interactions with the world.
When things aren’t going well, it can lead us into a downward spiral. Bad moments or bad days can lead to more bad days.
And the reverse is also true… good “luck” can lead to more good “luck”!
Changing our attitude, our interactions, our behaviors, and how we engage with the world around us can feel like an incredibly difficult process. Need help changing your momentum and making your own luck? Reach out for a coaching session!
Meanwhile, keep your eyes open for exciting possibilities that can change your life.
