A few days after Chinese New Year, many of us are still quietly wondering, “So… am I lucky this year?”
We may have already eaten the lucky food, worn the lucky colors, avoided certain things, or followed the pamahiin we grew up with. Some checked their horoscopes. Others paid attention to signs, timing, or the alignment of the stars. Even if we don’t fully believe in all of it, we still pause, just a little, hoping we did something right to invite good fortune in.
And that’s very Filipino.
We like the idea that luck can be influenced, that a small ritual or belief might help things go our way. These traditions give us comfort, hope, and a sense of reset. And there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
But here’s the question worth asking, especially now that the celebrations are over.
What happens after the lucky food is eaten, the decorations are taken down, and life returns to normal?
After more than 40 years of working with people, careers, and lives, I’ve learned one important thing. Luck alone is never enough.
There’s a saying I’ve always loved:
“Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
I’ve seen this play out countless times. The people who seem “lucky” are often the ones who prepared quietly, consistently, and patiently long before the opportunity showed up.
So yes, let’s wear our lucky color. Eat tikoy. Say prayers. Light incense. Align intentions with the universe.
But then, do the work.
Because real, lasting luck is something we help create.
Simple, Everyday Ways to Create Your Own Luck
Luck doesn’t usually arrive in dramatic moments. More often, it grows quietly from small choices we repeat daily. Here are a few simple habits that, over time, have a surprising way of attracting the “right” opportunities.
1. Be someone people want to help
Say thank you. Follow through. Be kind without being transactional.
People naturally open doors for those who are easy to work with and pleasant to be around. This kind of “luck” often shows up through introductions, recommendations, and second chances.
2. Do one small brave thing each day
Send the email. Ask the question. Speak up. Try again.
Courage doesn’t have to be loud. Small daily acts of bravery slowly expand your comfort zone, and opportunity tends to live just outside of it.
3. Keep your word, especially on small things
Return the call. Meet the deadline. Show up when you say you will.
Reliability is an underrated luck magnet. People trust those who do what they say, and trust often leads to opportunity.
4. Pay attention to what keeps showing up
Notice recurring ideas, invitations, or nudges.
Sometimes “luck” is simply recognizing a pattern and choosing to respond instead of ignoring it.
5. Improve something by 1%
You don’t need big transformations. Improve one small habit, skill, or routine just a little.
Over time, these tiny improvements compound into confidence, capability, and readiness.
6. Ask better questions
Instead of “Why is this happening to me?” try “What can I learn from this?”
This shift doesn’t change the situation immediately, but it changes how prepared you’ll be for the next one.
7. Make space for pauses
Rest. Reflect. Breathe.
A tired, overwhelmed mind misses opportunity. A rested one notices it. Sometimes luck appears in the quiet moments.
8. Be willing to start before you’re sure
Clarity often comes after action, not before.
When you take the first step, momentum has a way of meeting you halfway.
A Gentle Reminder
Luck isn’t about forcing outcomes or waiting for signs from the universe alone. It’s about showing up consistently, doing simple things well, and staying open long enough for the opportunity to recognize you.
Do this daily, and one day someone will say,
“You’re so lucky.”
And you’ll smile, knowing it wasn’t just luck at all.
