You’ve probably heard the saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like good fortune is just something that magically falls into the laps of a select few, leaving the rest of us wondering where we went wrong.
I used to think that way too, until I started noticing a pattern among the people I admired for seemingly creating their own luck. It wasn’t about magic or being at the right place at the right time; it was about their daily habits.
The idea that some people are just born lucky is tempting to believe. It absolves us of responsibility and makes our own lack of success easier to stomach.
But what if I told you that creating your own good fortune isn’t as elusive as it seems? That, in fact, there’s a sort of recipe for it—a collection of daily practices and mindsets that can tilt the odds in your favor.
Keep reading for the 10 daily habits of people who create their own good fortune.
1) You embrace proactive habits
You find joy in setting goals, making plans and taking action because you understand that good fortune doesn’t just fall into your lap— you need to actively work for it.
Moreover, you use this proactive approach to shape your destiny rather than waiting for things to happen.
You value proactive habits because when you embrace them, you’re not leaving your future to chance. Instead, you’re actively working towards creating a better tomorrow for yourself.
2) You take calculated risks
I remember a time when I had a comfortable, steady job, but I felt like I was just going through the motions. I wasn’t growing or learning anything new. So, after careful thought and planning, I decided to take a risk and start my own business.
This didn’t mean quitting my job on a whim or without a safety net. I meticulously planned my exit strategy, saved up enough to keep me going for a few months, and then made the leap.
Of course, people thought I was crazy! They saw it as a reckless decision, an unnecessary risk. But what they didn’t see was the careful planning and calculated decision-making behind it.
Taking calculated risks is not about being reckless; it’s about understanding the potential rewards and being willing to step outside your comfort zone to reach them.
This is often misunderstood as being irresponsible or impulsive, but in reality, it’s just another way of creating our own good fortune.
3) You’re a lifelong learner
Did you know that Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors of all time, spends 80% of his day reading? This is not an isolated case. Many successful people share this habit of being lifelong learners.
Being a lifelong learner means you’re always seeking out new knowledge, skills, and experiences. You’re not content with what you already know—you’re always looking to expand your horizons and improve yourself.
This constant quest for knowledge often leads to more opportunities and good fortune. It opens up new doors, introduces you to new people, and presents you with new ideas that you can use to improve your life or solve problems.
4) You’re persistent
You’re not easily deterred by setbacks or failures. Instead, you see them as opportunities to learn and grow. You understand that success doesn’t come overnight and that it requires consistent effort and hard work.
You’re willing to stick with your goals, even when the going gets tough. You have a never-give-up attitude that drives you forward, even in the face of adversity.
So while others might give up when faced with challenges, you keep going. Because you know that persistence is often the difference between success and failure.
5) You face your fears
Let’s get real for a moment. Fear can be paralyzing. It can stop you in your tracks and hold you back from pursuing your dreams. But the truth is, people who create their own good fortune don’t let fear control them.
You’re someone who understands that fear is a natural part of life. It’s uncomfortable, it’s scary, but it’s also a sign that you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone—and that’s where growth happens.
You’ve probably felt the knot in your stomach, the dryness in your throat, the racing heartbeat. But instead of running away, you face your fears head-on. You embrace them as part of the journey towards creating your own good fortune.
You know that facing your fears is not about being fearless—it’s about having the courage to move forward despite the fear.
6) You practice gratitude
In a world that often focuses on what’s wrong, what’s missing, or what could be better, it’s easy to overlook the good. But people who create their own good fortune have a different perspective.
You’re someone who understands the power of gratitude. You know that acknowledging the good in your life, no matter how small, can shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already there.
It’s not always easy. There are days when everything seems to go wrong, when life feels unfair, or when it seems like everyone else is doing better than you. It’s on these days that practicing gratitude can feel like an uphill battle.
But you do it anyway. You try to find something good each day—even if it’s something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a kind word from a stranger.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges—it means recognizing the good amidst those challenges. And this simple shift in perspective is often the first step towards creating your own good fortune.
7) You value relationships
You’ve probably had those days where you’re swamped with work, your to-do list is a mile long, and you barely have time to breathe, let alone socialize. But amidst all the chaos, you make time for the people who matter.
It could be as simple as a quick check-in text to a friend, a thoughtful gesture for your partner, or a heartfelt conversation with a family member. Despite your busy schedule, you make it a point to nurture your relationships.
You know the truth—relationships are not a waste of time. They are the support system that helps you through tough times and celebrates with you in good times.
You understand that no amount of personal success can compensate for failure in personal relationships. And that’s why you value them—it’s part of creating your own good fortune.
8) You have a sense of humor
You’re the person who can find humor in the most mundane situations. You understand that life is too short to take everything too seriously.
You’ve probably been in those tense situations where everyone’s on edge, the stress levels are through the roof, and then…you crack a joke. Suddenly, the tension eases, people start to laugh, and the situation doesn’t seem so dire anymore.
You understand that humor is a powerful tool for diffusing tension and maintaining a positive outlook.
In fact, laughter has numerous health benefits—it reduces stress, boosts mood, and even strengthens the immune system. So go ahead and crack that joke. After all, creating your own good fortune should be fun!
9) You take responsibility
You’re the type who takes responsibility for your life. You understand that while you can’t control everything that happens to you, you can control how you react to it.
You’ve probably had moments where it would’ve been so easy to play the victim, to point fingers, or to give up. But instead, you rolled up your sleeves and got to work. You owned up to your mistakes, learned from them, and moved forward.
Sure, it’s tough. It’s much easier to blame others or circumstances for our failures. But you understand that taking responsibility is the first step towards change and improvement.
10) You believe in yourself
The most crucial characteristic of people who create their own good fortune is self-belief.
You’re someone who believes in your abilities, your talents, and your potential. You understand that doubt and fear are part of the journey, but they don’t define you or limit you.
You’ve had moments of self-doubt, times when you questioned whether you were good enough or capable enough. But deep down, you never stopped believing in yourself.
People may mistake this for arrogance or overconfidence. They might not understand why you’re so sure of yourself when the odds are stacked against you. But you know better.
Believing in yourself doesn’t mean thinking that you’re better than others—it means knowing that you have what it takes to overcome challenges and succeed. And this unshakeable self-belief is the bedrock upon which you build your own good fortune.
Final thoughts
Creating your own good fortune can sometimes be viewed as over-ambitious, controlling, or even reckless. But that’s simply because society often misunderstands those who strive to take control of their destiny—especially those who don’t adhere to the common belief of leaving everything to chance.
So if you’re someone who’s actively creating your own good fortune, don’t be disheartened by the misunderstandings—you have a unique drive and vision that not everyone will comprehend.
Only those who are willing to look beyond the surface and understand your journey will truly appreciate the effort you make every day to shape your own future.
You have a distinctive power within you that can change your life for the better. Keep believing in yourself, keep learning, and keep creating your own good fortune!