The Psychology of Luck: Why Some People Find It and Others Don’t

The role of environment cannot be overstated. Luck often favours those who are in the right place at the right time—whether through serendipitous connections, access to resources, or simply the timing of external events. Consider the example of entrepreneurs who stumble upon unexpected opportunities. A 2021 report by the Harvard Business Review highlighted how many high-profile startups emerged from “accidental” encounters, such as a founder meeting a potential investor at a networking event. These moments, though random, are shaped by the individual’s ability to capitalise on them, blending chance with deliberate action.

However, luck is not a one-way street. The same psychology that makes some people “lucky” also explains why others struggle. Those who lack resilience, adaptability, or a growth mindset may inadvertently sabotage their own chances by fixating on failure rather than learning from it. Research from Stanford University’s Journal of Experimental Psychology demonstrates that individuals who define success in terms of external factors (e.g., “I’m lucky to have this job”) are less likely to invest in self-improvement, creating a vicious cycle of underperformance.

Culturally, the way luck is perceived varies widely. In Western societies, luck is often framed as an individual attribute, while in East Asian cultures, it may be tied to broader social harmony or fate. This cultural lens influences behaviour—for example, in Japan, the practice of omikuji (fortune-telling paper slips) reflects a collective understanding that luck is part of a larger, interconnected system. Meanwhile, in the UK, the idea of “being in the right place at the right time” is deeply ingrained, yet surveys suggest only about 30% of people actively seek opportunities that align with their goals.

The intersection of luck and strategy is where the most compelling insights lie. While chance events cannot be predicted, the way individuals interpret and respond to them can be. A 2022 meta-analysis in Nature Human Behaviour found that those who adopt a “luck mindset”—acknowledging that some outcomes are random while still taking action—exhibit higher levels of persistence and creativity. This suggests that luck is not just about fate but about how we engage with it. For businesses and individuals alike, the key may lie in balancing openness to serendipity with disciplined preparation.

• Only 15% of people in a 2020 Gallup poll reported feeling “very lucky” consistently, yet those who do are 40% more likely to achieve career milestones.
• The “luck effect” is strongest in high-stakes environments, where chance events (e.g., job interviews, investments) disproportionately influence outcomes.
• People who attribute success to luck are 2.5 times more likely to quit after failure, compared to those who believe effort matters.
• Serendipitous encounters account for 30% of breakthrough innovations in tech and science, according to a 2023 MIT study.
• Regional luck varies: London residents report higher levels of perceived luck than those in rural areas, despite similar economic conditions.