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Feeling Unlucky? It Might Be Your Brain Playing Tricks on You: Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Explained.

Updated: May 1

Have you ever encountered someone who seems to constantly attract good luck? Maybe they land amazing opportunities, find lost items effortlessly, or simply have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Conversely, do you know someone who perpetually feels like the world is against them, experiencing a string of seemingly 'bad luck' events?


The truth is that luck might not be as random as we think.


It might surprise you to learn that our beliefs about luck aren't just passive musings, but rather powerful forces that can shape our reality through a phenomenon known as self-fulfilling prophecies. Here's how it works:


four-leafed clover, a symbol of good luck

The Power of Perception: How Beliefs Shape Your Reality


Imagine Amanda, who firmly believes she's unlucky. Every minor setback is blown out of proportion – a missed bus becomes a sign of a doomed day; a lost phone charger becomes further confirmation of her misfortune. This hyper-vigilance for negativity fuels what Dr. David Burns identified as cognitive distortions, subtle mental shortcuts that warp our perception and lead to negative thinking (you can read more about cognitive distortions in my blog post on the topic here). In Amanda’s case, she might use:

  • Discounting the Positive: "That promotion? It was just a fluke, the other candidates probably just messed up."

  • Catastrophising: "This one bad interview means I'll never get a job and I will end up living with my parents forever."

These distortions blind Amanda to opportunities and downplay her achievements, reinforcing her sense of being unlucky. She might dismiss compliments or fail to even notice potential opportunities because they don't fit her negative narrative.


On the other hand, consider Bec, who believes in her own "luck." She approaches challenges with an optimistic attitude, viewing setbacks as temporary roadblocks. She's more likely to notice opportunities and take calculated risks. Even when things don't go her way, she focuses on the lessons learned and remains persistent.

Bec might use cognitive reframing, a technique that challenges negative thoughts and replaces them with more realistic and empowering ones. For example, instead of catastrophising a bad interview, she might say, "The interview didn't go well, but I learned some valuable feedback for the next one." This positive mindset acts as a magnet, attracting opportunities and fostering resilience in the face of difficulty. Bec’s confidence and optimism make her  a more attractive candidate for jobs or collaborations, further amplifying her experience of "good luck."



Beyond Superstition: The Science Behind Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

This isn't about magical thinking. Self-fulfilling prophecies are rooted in the power of our beliefs to influence our actions and perceptions through:

  • Focused Attention: When you believe you're unlucky, you're more likely to dwell on the negatives, neglecting potential positive events in your life.

  • Self-Fulfilling Behaviors: Negative thinking can lead to self-sabotaging behaviour. You might skip important presentations due to a fear of failure, or not study for a test because you think you won't pass, further hindering your progress.

  • Confirmation Bias: Our brains naturally seek out information that confirms existing beliefs. When you feel you’re unlucky, you're more likely to interpret events, even neutral ones, as evidence of your misfortune.

These factors create a self-perpetuating cycle, solidifying your perception of being unlucky and never calling into question whether this actually is the case.



Breaking Free from the Cycle: Cultivating a Lucky Mindset


The good news? With a little bit of work, you can break free from negative self-fulfilling prophecies and cultivate a mindset that attracts more positive experiences. Here are some practical steps:

Identify Your Cognitive Distortions: Become aware of the mental shortcuts you use to justify negativity. Keep a journal and track your self-talk, particularly around times of perceived bad luck. Look for clues about how you are interpreting events.

Challenge Your Negative Thoughts: Ask yourself if your thoughts are realistic and helpful. Are you catastrophising? Discounting the positive? Challenge these distortions by replacing them with more balanced and empowering beliefs. The work of Byron Katie can be especially helpful here.

Practice Gratitude: Actively seek out and appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small. Start a gratitude journal or practice mindfulness exercises that focus on appreciating the present moment.

Reframe Setbacks: View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience and how you can use it to move forward.

Embrace a Growth Mindset: Believe that you can learn and improve through effort. Setbacks are inevitable, but with dedication and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle. Check out Caroline Dweck's book "Mindset" for more tips on how to foster a growth mentality.


Remember, you are not at the mercy of fate! You have the power to cultivate a "lucky" mindset that shapes your perception and attracts positive experiences. By challenging negative beliefs, practicing gratitude, and fostering optimism, you can rewrite your self-fulfilling prophecy and become a magnet for good fortune.


Ready to rewrite your self-fulfilling prophecy and attract more positive experiences? Contact Sarva Health today for a free Discovery Call and let's work together to create a more positive and empowered future for you!

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