Types of Luck Can Enrich Your Work-Life

We often think of “luck” as some mystical force, a random roll of life’s dice, as I used to when playing my favorite childhood game, Fallout. In Fallout, the “Luck” stat seemed like the throwaway option. It wasn’t something you could control, right? Or could you?

Dr. James H. Austin. In the 1970s, this neurologist decided to pull back the curtain on the whims of Lady Luck, reframing it into four distinct types. Turns out, you can take a bit more credit (or blame) for your fortunes than you'd think.

The Four Types of Luck

Austin, with the wisdom of a sage guiding lost role-playing gamers, suggested luck isn’t entirely random. Instead, it’s like picking a lock—only sometimes do you need to jiggle the handle just right. Here’s how Austin categorizes it:

Blind Luck

This is your classic, “Oops, did that just happen?” moment. It’s the universe’s way of reminding you that, sometimes, things fall apart no matter what. Think of it as that large truck rumbling by your office and shattering a water pipe. Blind Luck = no toilets, no coffee for you today.

Luck from Motion

Here’s where things get interesting. Luck from Motion happens when you hustle your way into a “chance” encounter. The luck isn’t in meeting that wealthy investor; it’s in deciding to attend that business course where they just happened to sit next to you. Get moving and luck might just follow you.

Luck from Awareness

Imagine you’re in a meeting, and your company announces a shiny new AI tool to streamline workflows. Your colleague yawns, but you, clever you, see an opportunity to automate those tedious tasks and win employee of the month. This luck comes from noticing the open doors others casually walk past. Perk up, Sherlock!

Luck from Uniqueness

This is the “you do you” of the luck world. Your distinct background, knowledge, or experiences make certain lucky breaks fall only your way. Like when your Polish roots help you bond with a prospective client over shared cultural stories, turning an awkward sales pitch into a deal-closing camaraderie. Who knew growing up with grandma’s pierogis could land you a business deal?

How to Make Your Own Luck

Austin’s types of luck seem like a grand lesson in reframing—luck isn’t just some mysterious force, it’s a lifestyle choice. How can you develop the knack for it? Here are three ways to spin the roulette wheel in your favor:

Train Your Eye for Opportunity

Developing “Luck from Awareness” is about sharpening your senses. In fact, research from the University of Cadiz found that luckier people have a few key traits: they work with others, support their peers, trust in their skills, and have a solid education to back it up. So, network, believe in yourself, and maybe—just maybe—go back to school. Your diploma might be more than just a piece of paper; it’s a door-opener.

Embrace Your Weirdness

Your unique background and quirks can be the very things that invite new opportunities. If you haven’t stopped to ask yourself, “What am I naturally good at?” then pause. Ken Robinson, over at Big Think+, suggests finding your personal strengths is key to stumbling into the right kinds of luck. Whether it’s your obscure hobby, your cultural upbringing, or the way you look at the world, lean into your own perspective—it might be the luckiest thing about you.

Be Proactive

While Blind Luck is always out there, lurking like a mischievous gremlin, most of your fortune is within your grasp. Treat your work-life like a casino, where you need to spend some chips to get ahead. Take risks. Sign up for that networking event. Email that speaker you admire. Not all of these bets will pay off, but luck favors the proactive. Even if the odds are slim, you’ve got to play to win.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Austin’s four types of luck are a helpful reminder that life’s not entirely random. Sure, the universe might throw a pipe-breaking truck your way, but for the most part, you’ve got some say in your fate. If luck is like Fallout’s stat screen, then don’t sleep on it—level up.