I want 2020 to be your luckiest year yet.
So, luck is a funny thing. Those who have the good kind believe they are lucky. Those who believe they have “bad luck” perpetually think of themselves as unlucky. Nobody is lucky by accident. We all have the same story, it’s just how you choose to tell it to yourself. It’s not about controlling situations. Rather, it’s how you view them; finding the hidden opportunities, trusting your instincts and taking audacious action.
I believe I have extraordinary luck and I am reminded of this daily. I am not a guru with The Secret To Life that will unlock some Utopian existence where money and unicorns rain down on you. Not even close. I have experienced heartbreak, defeat, overwhelming sadness and life-threatening illnesses I pray you never experience. Yet still, I look at my life as one overflowing with good luck.
So how do you find good luck? I don’t know the exact answer, I just know that luck is the long game with a big payday. This is how I do it.
Forgive Yourself
So, I’m definitely coming out of the gate strong AF with this one. But, self forgiveness is paramount to clearing the path for good luck. We ALL have things from our past that evoke varying degrees of regret or shame and typically, we keep these thoughts to ourselves in that Secret Compartment in our minds. We think it’s easier to use these thoughts as some kind of shield from repairing the errors of our ways, while also serving as a form of self penance. But, nobody wins here. At many points in our lives, we all experience pain and holding on to it does nothing beneficial for you. Until you make the deliberate decision to forgive yourself, you are living in the past and focusing on something you feel negatively about. Simply put, negativity blocks luck. If you feel bad about something, your brain is acknowledging your actions were in conflict with your values and beliefs and you are already healing. Apologize when you’ve done something wrong, learn from it and then let that shit go. Ok, we got the tough stuff is out of the way. Let’s move on.
Be Courageous
“Lucky Breaks” always come from courageous actions. People often mistake courage for fearlessness. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is being afraid and doing it anyway. You’re laying your fear and vulnerability out there on the line and taking a leap of faith. But as Steve Harvey says, “Jump and the parachute will open”. I believe this with all my heart. My biggest successes have come when I was scared shitless, took a deep breath and said, “Screw it. What do I have to lose?”. Nothing worthwhile has ever happened in the absence of courage. Also, continually doing things you think you cannot do builds confidence.
Do Stuff
You will not get lucky sitting home watching TV or staring at your phone all the time. You need to get out, go to professional events, social gatherings and actually talk to people. Stay active physically, take a class or attend a lecture about something you’re interested in. Be friendly, warm and genuine. Try different things, don’t always do the same thing.
Be Kind
If you don’t believe in karma, then you most certainly don’t believe in luck because they go hand in hand. You have to do good things for other people in order for good to come to you. You have to donate your money, your time and your spirit. You have to give when there is little public glory in doing so. You have to be nice, grateful and humble. It sounds like a sappy cliche, but it is so true. The more you give, the more life will reward you. You have to wish good things for others, give compliments. Try and make at least one person feel good everyday. Don’t worry, there is enough room for everyone. Throwing shade does not make your light shine brighter, Darling. Au contraire.
The 70% Ready Rule
Don’t wait to do something until you’re 100% ready. I’ve got news for you, you will never be 100% ready. When you think you’re kinda-sorta-almost ready, you’re ready. There are opportunities at every corner, but you have to be ready to grasp them even when you think you’re not quite there yet. You can figure it out later. The same opportunities are available for all of us, but lucky people identify them quickly and pursue them. People love to say, “You were in the right place at the right time”. That’s false. It’s all about being in the right state of mind. You’re ready, I promise.
Embrace Failure
When I worked on Wall Street, I was taught that I would have to pitch 10-15 potential clients in order to get one to sign with the firm. This was one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my life. Why? It trained my brain that every “no” was actually a wonderful thing because the “yes” was that much closer. You will fail. I have failed a hundred different ways. But, I am keenly aware it’s part of the process, which makes it ok instead of a soul crushing event. When you understand this you will keep going until you succeed. It’s the law of averages, that’s it. Keep failing, just don’t quit. Nobody ever emembers your failures, only your wins, aka your “lucky breaks”.
its Not Too Late
Luck is something that is perpetual and abundant. No matter how old you are, trying something new can be a fabulously rewarding experience. This goes back to courage and readiness. Get away from thinking you can’t do something because you “missed the boat”. The fact that you’re still thinking about it is proof that your dream is still possible.
Lose Negative People From Your Life
The luckier you are, the better your life becomes. This often underscores other people’s dark areas. They become so focused on “How’d they do that?” and clouded in jealousy, they never allow the good luck to flow to them. Do not give this any thought, shrug it off and ignore. There will always be naysayers, there will always be people who try and bring you down. Don’t take the bait and just keep doing your thing. Try not to be nervous.
I hope this year is your luckiest year yet. Happy New Year!
XO,
Courtney Cachet