From shamrocks to rainbows to horseshoes, St. Patrick’s Day is steeped in symbols of luck.
The idea of shamrocks as lucky charms hearkens to the Celts of ancient Ireland, when Druid priests would carry the three-leafed clovers in the hopes of warding off evil spirits.
In Celtic traditions as well, rainbows were considered fortuitous, representing a path toward a brighter future.
As for horseshoes, while origin stories vary, some sources say that the Irish began nailing them over doors in Medieval times. Villagers would hang the symbols in a U shape to catch good luck as it entered their homes.
Yet while it’s certainly harmless to wear a horseshoe necklace or search for a rainbow after a storm, what if, instead of relying on luck, you actively cultivated your own good fortune?
This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s explore how positive psychology, the science of happiness and well-being, can help us create a life filled with fortunate experiences.
Embrace optimism.
Are you a glass half-full or a glass half-empty kind of person? When you approach each day with a sense of possibility, you increase your chances of uncovering hidden opportunities.
In his 2020 book “The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck,” Christian Busch explains that serendipity – traditionally defined as a happy discovery made by accident – isn’t as random as you might think. Instead, serendipity happens whenever you see links that others don’t and you connect these links in strategic ways, turning unexpected experiences into opportunities.
Practice gratitude.
Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life, big or small, has a powerful impact on your overall well-being.
Studies show that gratitude enhances optimism and resilience and even strengthens relationships. Start a gratitude journal, express appreciation to loved ones or simply take a moment each day to savor the good in your life.
Focus on your strengths.
When my wife was in middle school, she followed her older sister to an athletics camp. Unlike her more active sibling, my wife struggled to master skills like archery, which required a level of eye-hand coordination she didn’t possess. She felt clumsy, bored and out of place.
The next year, she switched to a musical theatre camp and found her niche. That summer and the seven subsequent summers she spent in a hot outdoor theatre in southern Indiana boosted her confidence during her formative years. Those on-stage experiences also helped to lay the foundation for a successful career in marketing and communications.
Trial and error is one way to discover your strengths. Another way is to take a comprehensive assessment like CliftonStrengths. Learning what you naturally excel at and capitalizing on these traits helps you create your own luck.
Build strong connections.
Humans are social creatures, and strong social connections are crucial for happiness and well-being. Invest time in nurturing your relationships with loved ones, colleagues and your community. Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift you, just as you inspire them. Along with giving more meaning and purpose to your life, these friendships can help you cultivate more good luck.
“Get involved. Don’t be a sideliner, watching events flow past. Plunge into the events yourself,” writes author Max Gunther. “If you aren’t in the network, nobody is ever going to steer anything your way.”
These connections are critical in various aspects of life, whether you’re looking for your next job opportunity, financing for a business venture or a new romantic partner.
Remember, luck is an active, not a passive force, a result of optimism, gratitude, strengths-finding and relationships.
By incorporating these principles into your daily life, you can actively cultivate a sense of fortune, creating a brighter, more fulfilling future – shamrocks or not.