How Avoid Bad Luck
Original image by David Bartus from Pexels.
Tell yourself that bad luck does not exist.
While it can seem that bad events “cluster” or “follow us,” in fact events are often random and may just appear to follow a pattern. Believing in bad luck may result in poor decisions or risky-choice behavior as you seek to counter its perceived effects, creating a vicious cycle. Self-pity will also deter others from helping you, creating a self-reinforcing downward spiral.
Do something active.
Controlled experiments have shown that so-called active rituals—knocking on wood, tossing salt, and so on—in the face of perceived bad luck are a means of demonstrating a sense of control. These actions can counter the perception of helplessness in the face of “bad luck.”
Make yourself open to luck by following a superstitious ritual.
Rituals can provide a moment of relief from the anxiety that often brings us “bad” luck. For example:
Chinese tradition says that red is the luckiest color. Just don’t wear it to a bullfight. (Actually, that’s a myth: bulls are attracted to movement, not necessarily to specific colors.)
Carrying a rabbit’s foot or a lucky talisman has various origins in many cultures, but we’re partial to the story of Queen Boudica, born around 30 AD in the Roman-occupied city of Camulodunum in the Southeast of modern-day England. She was said to have either A) released a hare from the folds of her dress, which proceeded to run in a particularly fortuitous direction; or B) released a rabbit (or, possibly, many rabbits) onto a field before defeating the Romans in a pivotal battle. Either way, you’ll probably have better luck than a three-footed rabbit.
Finding a four-leaf clover is a Celtic tradition that contains a bit of truth: It’s said there are five-thousand three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf one; finding one is certainly unusual, even if it doesn’t bring luck. (The record for finding them is 166 in an hour, or so says Wikipedia.) In any case, searching for one will probably take your mind off Friday the 13th.
Stay positive and say “yes” more often than “no.”
Facing your fears and trying new things is what leads to different outcomes—opening your mind with an attitude of “yes” will lead you to different conclusions and “luck.”
Negative thinking may lead to poor outcomes. Though the exact relationship between thoughts and actions isn’t completely understood, focus your mind on positive options to reduce depression and feelings of hopelessness/helplessness.
Be grateful.
Gratitude for what you have rather than envy or loss for what you have not got or feel entitled to always helps you stay positive and open to “good luck.”
Help someone else.
Helping others brings a feeling of gratitude and calm, and karma is real—the more we help others, the more help we are likely to receive.