Is Luck Really Real?

We’ve all had those moments when life surprises us in the best way—a chance encounter, a door that opens just when we need it, or a small win that feels bigger than coincidence. And we say, “Wow… that was lucky.”

But is luck actually real? Or is it something we create, notice, or even nurture?

Let’s unravel this idea together.

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1. Luck as Pure Chance

Some believe luck is simply randomness—good or bad things that happen without intention. It’s the roll of a die, the unpredictability of weather, or being at the “right” place at the “right” time. From this view, luck is just probability playing out. No meaning, no message—just chance.

2. Luck as Preparedness Meeting Opportunity

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This suggests that we have more control than we think. The person who’s ready, who’s practiced, who’s open to possibilities—is far more likely to experience what feels like “luck.” It’s not random—it’s earned, even if indirectly.

3. The Mindset of the “Lucky” Person

Studies have shown that people who consider themselves lucky tend to be more optimistic, curious, and observant. They strike up conversations with strangers, try new things, and bounce back from setbacks more easily. Their “luck” may stem from being open to what life brings, rather than controlling every outcome.

4. Luck as Mindful Awareness

When we slow down and truly notice what’s happening around us, we begin to see more moments of joy, surprise, and beauty. A stranger’s smile. A perfect piece of yarn. A burst of inspiration. Are these moments luck? Or are they just things we finally notice when we’re present?

5. Gratitude as a Luck Amplifier

The more grateful we are, the luckier we feel. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance—from “Why didn’t this happen?” to “Look at what did.” When we practice gratitude, we don’t just appreciate what we have—we become more attuned to new opportunities and small miracles.

6. Luck and Letting Go

Sometimes, what feels like bad luck leads to something unexpectedly good. A plan falls through, and something better takes its place. A delay forces a pause we didn’t know we needed. There’s a quiet kind of luck in letting go and trusting that life is unfolding, even when it doesn’t go as planned.

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So, is luck real?

Maybe. But maybe it’s also a mix of awareness, action, and attitude. We may not control everything, but we can choose how we show up—with an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to see beauty where others see coincidence.

And that? That might be the luckiest thing of all.