Is it Really Luck?

You are so lucky! Have you ever had someone say this to you? Or perhaps you've been the one making that remark?

UPDATED BLOG: Is It Really Luck?

“You’re so lucky.”

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard that. And every time, I want to ask: Am I? Or did I make this happen?

I don’t say it to others because I know how much it can take away from someone’s own story — the decisions they’ve made, the risks they’ve taken, and the work they’ve put in behind the scenes.

Yes, there are things in my life I feel fortunate for. But luck, as most people see it, doesn’t tell the whole story.

What Do We Mean by Luck?

Some luck is pure chance — winning the lottery, a last-minute cancellation that frees up your day, narrowly avoiding an accident.

But even those moments aren’t always random. People who win the lottery? They bought a ticket. People who “get lucky” often put themselves in the right place, talk to the right people, and say yes to the right opportunities.

And sometimes, it’s simply about perspective.

One person sees a fallen tree blocking the road and thinks, Great, now I’m late.

Another sees the same tree and thinks, Thank goodness — maybe that delay saved me from something worse.

It’s the same event. The difference is how you look at it.

Why My Life Isn’t Just Luck

On paper, yes, I look lucky.

I live in a beautiful old farmhouse on 15 acres.
I have six well-trained dogs.
I have healthy, happy kids and a good relationship with my ex.
I’m financially independent.
I run a thriving dog training business and have passive income from holiday rentals.
I get to train my dogs when I want and work with my son in a growing coaching business.

But here’s the truth: none of that fell into my lap.

I sold my home in Surrey to buy my dream property — after months of searching.
I spent years training my dogs.
I raised my kids to believe they could do anything.
I changed my business model to make it more profitable.
I built relationships, invested in my skills, and took risks that scared me.

Those weren’t strokes of luck. They were choices.

The Hard Bits People Don’t See

It hasn’t all been sunshine. I’ve dealt with:

Divorce and financial dependence.
A house sale falling through in lockdown.
A business sale collapsing.
Breakups, bereavement, and serious illness in my family.
Losing dogs I loved at a very young age.
The challenges of raising children, including selective mutism, anorexia and autism diagnoses.

I could have let those moments define me. I could have decided the risks weren’t worth it. But each time, I chose to adapt, to keep moving, and to find the lesson — even when it felt like there couldn’t possibly be one.

Making Your Own Luck

Here’s what I’ve learned:

We create more “luck” when we…

Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare us.
See setbacks as redirection, not failure.
Align our choices with our values.
Treat every encounter like it could lead somewhere.
Give without expecting, because generosity often circles back.

Bad things will happen — that’s life. But the more you practise reframing them, the more you notice the unexpected doors they open.

How to Attract More Luck Into Your Life

People often think “lucky” moments are rare, random things you can’t influence.

But research (and life experience) shows the opposite — you can increase your odds.

1. Say yes more often – The more you put yourself in new situations, the more likely you’ll bump into the right person or idea.

2. Build your network — genuinely – Connect without an agenda. You never know who might think of you later.

3. Stay open-minded – Setbacks can be new paths in disguise.

4. Keep learning – Skills and knowledge make you ready for opportunities.

5. Look for the silver lining — on purpose – Reframe challenges to move forward faster.

6. Give first, without expecting return – Generosity creates reciprocity.

7. Visualise and act – Know what you want so you can recognise it when it appears.

Luck is rarely a lightning bolt.

It’s planting seeds in many places, nurturing them, and being ready to harvest when one takes root.

Want to Explore This More?

If this topic fascinates you as much as it does me, I highly recommend:

Conscious Luck — Gay Hendricks
The Luck Factor — Dr. Richard Wiseman

Final Thought + Invitation

Next time something goes wrong, pause. Ask yourself: What could this make possible?

And next time you catch yourself saying, “They’re so lucky,” stop and think: What choices did they make to get there? What choices could I make now?

Because yes, sometimes life hands you a gift out of nowhere. But more often? Luck is something you build.

If you want more help with your mindset shifts or business coaching, you can book a 1:1 with me here:

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