Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Do you feel lucky?

There are so many Irish phrases and icons that focus on bringing you good luck.

I love the positivity of wishing others good luck and the optimistic attitude of feeling lucky.

And I also don’t really believe in “luck.”

Here is what I believe:

Gratitude = Good Luck

It’s easy to feel grateful when things are going your way. However, when your career or life takes a turn for the worse, it can feel like you’ve been hit with some bad luck. Refocusing your energy and finding gratitude during those moments helps lift your spirits. It also allows you to engage in more positive and proactive actions rather than succumbing to the “victim mentality” of bad luck.

Positive Reframing = Good Luck

If you’ve ever experienced disappointment, it’s natural to feel unlucky in those situations. And, you can turn your luck around by reframing the situation into something positive.

I was devastated when I didn’t get a co-op job with the US Forest Service when I was in college. It was going to be the key to a successful career in forestry for me. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was one of the LUCKIEST things to happen in my career! It opened up the opportunity for me to join the Peace Corps, live in Malawi, and have the experience of a lifetime. It also sent me on the path to where I am today. I’m glad I experienced this disappointment with the first professional job I ever applied for because I’ve carried it with me ever since. With every future career disappointment, I developed the ability to reframe it and turn my luck around quickly.

Here are some ways you can reframe common career disappointments:

• I didn’t get the job = That job/company/manager wasn’t the best fit for me, and I’m available to find something much better!
• I didn’t get the promotion = It’s not the right fit at the right time for me, and I’m glad I wasn’t set up to fail. I have more time to develop my skills for the next opportunity.
• My boss told me I’m underperforming = l have a better understanding of what is expected of me and the power to decide whether I want to exert the effort to improve or if it’s time for me to move on to my next chapter.
• I got laid off from a job I loved = I was fortunate to have this career experience, and I’m grateful for what I learned. By being pushed out of my comfort zone, I have the opportunity to explore new challenges and learn new things.
• I got fired = I’m relieved to leave a job/boss/culture that wasn’t working for me, and I have an opportunity to create a more satisfying career for myself. I might even reinvent myself in the process!

Positive Action = Good Luck

You have the power to create your own luck. Set aspirational goals. Develop an action plan. Get into Massive Imperfect Action! The best luck comes from creating it for yourself. 

So, I’ll ask you again, do you feel lucky today?

Wishing you the best!