Ever notice how some people always seem to catch a break, while others can’t seem to get ahead no matter how hard they try?
It’s easy to chalk it up to luck. But often, what we call “bad luck” has less to do with chance—and more to do with patterns we don’t realize we’re repeating.
The truth is, feeling unlucky isn’t just about what happens to you. It’s often tied to the choices you make, the mindset you carry, and the habits you’ve grown used to.
If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of setbacks or just feel like life isn’t going your way, it might be time to take a closer look at what you’re holding on to—and what you need to let go of.
1. Expecting the universe to owe you
I’ve met people who believe they deserve success just because they exist. They view life as a vending machine—insert minimal effort, expect maximum reward.
But the cold truth is, the universe doesn’t run on IOUs.
If you’re constantly waiting for a lucky break to drop in your lap without actively creating opportunities, you’re bound to feel unlucky.
As Tim Ferriss has noted, “Conditions are never perfect. ‘Someday’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.”
That might sound harsh, but it’s empowering once you accept it.
Instead of expecting life to hand you what you want, consider flipping the script: identify actionable steps, show up every day, and chip away at those goals.
Once you start taking accountability, “luck” seems to show up more often.
2. Dwelling on the past
We’ve all made mistakes, missed golden opportunities, or regret certain decisions.
But staying stuck in “what could have been” is a surefire path to feeling cursed. It’s like trying to drive forward while staring in the rearview mirror—you’re bound to crash.
I’ve learned that if you keep replaying past failures, you overlook the present chances to steer your life in a better direction.
James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, points out that small, consistent changes compound over time.
The problem is, you can’t build new habits if your brain is still looped on regrets.
Reflecting on past mistakes can be educational, but letting them define your future only piles on more unlucky outcomes.
The next time a memory of some epic fail creeps in, ask yourself: “What lesson can I take from this?”
Then let it go. Move on.
You’ll free up brain space to embrace real possibilities happening right now.
3. Running from hard work
Luck loves hustle.
If you’re constantly searching for shortcuts—maybe you jump on every get-rich-quick scheme or expect your side gig to explode overnight—then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
The truth?
Hard work still matters, even in our tech-driven world.
Sure, technology has given us amazing tools, but it doesn’t replace the discipline of showing up daily.
I know folks who started businesses with minimal funds yet made them flourish by grinding behind the scenes.
When you hear about someone’s “overnight success,” chances are they put in years of blood, sweat, and tears first.
Let’s face it: if you’re unwilling to put in the elbow grease, you’ll keep thinking luck is against you.
But once you embrace effort as part of the process, you’ll find more doors opening than you ever thought possible.
4. Staying in a negative crowd
Ever notice how some friend groups thrive on misery?
They bond over complaining, gossiping, and reminding each other how the world is out to get them.
If that’s your crew, you’re basically soaking in a pool of negativity.
It’s toxic—and it’ll make you feel unlucky even if great things are happening around you.
I once belonged to a circle where every hangout turned into a pity party. Over time, I started noticing how much that attitude tainted my own view of life.
As soon as I distanced myself and found more optimistic, forward-thinking folks, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
This shift is backed by research in social psychology: our environment heavily influences our mindset.
So, if you consistently surround yourself with cynics, your brain can’t help but mirror their perspective.
Take stock of who you spend the most time with. If they’re always whining, it might be time to reassess those connections.
5. Blaming everything but yourself
I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: blaming everyone else for your problems is a huge obstacle to progress.
Sure, sometimes external circumstances suck. But successful people figure out what they can control and focus on that.
Unlucky folks?
They point fingers at the economy, their parents, even the weather. They offload responsibility so they don’t have to feel the discomfort of accountability.
And while that might bring temporary relief, it ultimately keeps them stuck. Because when everything is someone else’s fault, nothing ever changes.
The moment you stop seeing yourself as a passive victim of life’s randomness—and start asking, “What can I do differently?”—is the moment your luck begins to shift.
Owning your role in the story and realizing you have more influence than you think is the first step to turning your “luck” around.
6. Refusing to adapt
Do you know that person who complains incessantly about changing technology, new workplace procedures, or even modern dating norms?
They refuse to adapt, so they become relics of a time when “things were simpler.”
And guess what?
They usually feel unlucky because the world keeps spinning without them.
The reality is, our global landscape evolves at breakneck speed. Clinging to old ways out of stubbornness is like trying to use a floppy disk in a smartphone era—useless and frustrating.
Adopting a growth mindset means being open to learning new tools and tactics, whether for personal development or business.
Adaptability doesn’t mean you abandon your values. It means you stay flexible, stay curious, and remain open to what’s next.
That’s how you spot new chances and avoid feeling like life left you behind.
7. Rejecting genuine help
A surprising way to stay unlucky is refusing to accept help or guidance.
It’s easy to fall into the lone wolf mentality—assuming you have to figure everything out alone.
But sometimes, the best moves you’ll ever make involve asking for a mentor’s advice, seeking professional guidance, or collaborating with supportive peers.
When I started my first business, I thought I had to do it all myself to prove I was capable.
Well, I nearly burned out.
Then I found a mentor who taught me more in a month than I could’ve learned on my own in a year.
That support accelerated my progress and helped me see “lucky breaks” popping up everywhere.
So don’t treat help like a weakness. It’s often the catalyst for massive breakthroughs.
If you constantly wave off assistance or insist you’ve got it under control, you might just be turning down the golden ticket you’ve been waiting for.
Wrapping up
Let’s be clear – luck isn’t a whimsical force that either blesses you or curses you for no reason.
It’s the sum of your mindset, habits, and willingness to put in the effort.
When you let go of these seven behaviors, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your luck seems to turn.
So, ready to drop what’s holding you back?
Until next time, friends.
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