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How Luck Happens. Using the science of luck to transform work, love, and life.
New York Times bestselling author Janice Kaplan examines the phenomenon of luck--and discovers the exciting ways you can boost your chances and set yourself up to get lucky in everyday life.
After spending a year researching and experiencing gratitude for The Gratitude Diaries, Janice Kaplan is back to tackle another big, mysterious influence in all our luck. And this time she's joined on her journey by coauthor Dr. Barnaby Marsh, a renowned academic who guides her exploration.
Together they look at the factors that led a young struggling Harrison Ford to a chance encounter with fledgling director George Lucas, and they find out what distinguishes luck from pure randomness. They discover that much of what we call luck is really under our control, and they reveal the simple techniques to create luck in love and marriage, business and career, health, happiness, and family relationships. Using original research and fascinating studies, they offer breakthrough insights on how all of us--from CEOs to stay-at-home moms--can tip the scales of fortune in our favor.
Through a mix of scientific research, interviews with famous and successful people, and powerful narrative, How Luck Happens uncovers a fascinating subject in accessible and entertaining style.
After spending a year researching and experiencing gratitude for The Gratitude Diaries, Janice Kaplan is back to tackle another big, mysterious influence in all our luck. And this time she's joined on her journey by coauthor Dr. Barnaby Marsh, a renowned academic who guides her exploration.
Together they look at the factors that led a young struggling Harrison Ford to a chance encounter with fledgling director George Lucas, and they find out what distinguishes luck from pure randomness. They discover that much of what we call luck is really under our control, and they reveal the simple techniques to create luck in love and marriage, business and career, health, happiness, and family relationships. Using original research and fascinating studies, they offer breakthrough insights on how all of us--from CEOs to stay-at-home moms--can tip the scales of fortune in our favor.
Through a mix of scientific research, interviews with famous and successful people, and powerful narrative, How Luck Happens uncovers a fascinating subject in accessible and entertaining style.
339 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2018
137 people are currently reading
1390 people want to read
About the author
Janice Kaplan
21 books185 followersJanice Kaplan is the author of many popular books, including the New York Times bestseller THE GRATITUDE DIARIES and her most recent book, THE GENIUS OF WOMEN. Widely known as a journalist, television producer and magazine editor, she has also written or co-written bestselling novels including THE BOTOX DIARIES, THE MEN I DIDN'T MARRY and MINE ARE SPECTACULAR! as well as the mysteries LOOKS TO DIE FOR and A JOB TO KILL FOR.
Janice was the Editor-in-Chief of Parade Magazine and executive producer of the TV Guide Television Group, where she created and produced television specials that aired primetime on all the major networks. She co-authored the bestseller I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN and the non-fiction HOW LUCK HAPPENS. She began her career as an on-air sports reporter for CBS Radio and went on to be a producer at ABC-TV’s Good Morning America, where she won awards for investigative reporting.
She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and won Yale's Murray Fellowship for her writing.
Janice was the Editor-in-Chief of Parade Magazine and executive producer of the TV Guide Television Group, where she created and produced television specials that aired primetime on all the major networks. She co-authored the bestseller I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN and the non-fiction HOW LUCK HAPPENS. She began her career as an on-air sports reporter for CBS Radio and went on to be a producer at ABC-TV’s Good Morning America, where she won awards for investigative reporting.
She graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and won Yale's Murray Fellowship for her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 5, 2018
Go to Lots of Parties
In HOW LUCK HAPPENS, authors Janice Kaplan and Barnaby Marsh take a deep look at events that people often ascribe to “luck.” The authors argue that most of these situations happen not because of chance, but because of specific human actions—which might not be so obvious at first.
For example, the seemingly fortunate person might have been incredibly persistent despite numerous failures. Thomas Edison is cited as such an example: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Another path to luckiness is developing lots of connections: “People who know how to play the networking game often end up looking like the luckiest ones around. . . What appears to the outside world as random luck often comes from networking behind the scenes.”
The authors cite the power of observation as another factor that makes one lucky. Those who can spot clues have an advantage: “We get lucky when we know where we want to focus—or which possibilities we want to fire up.
I thought the most useful chapter was Chapter Five, “Connect to The Power of Other People.”
If you have lots of contacts, you will appear lucky. So, “Talk to the guy next to you on the plane . . . Give luck to get luck. . .. Rely on the strength of weak ties. . .. Go to every party.”
In Chapter Five, DO NOT MISS the discussion on “the strength of weak ties.” In the entire book, I thought this point was outstanding. When you are trying to get a job (for example), your closest network knows the same people as you do, so these connections are not too useful. It’s in your most distant connections, your “weak ties,” where the benefit happens: “Connecting with them opens up a whole new community of possibilities—and because each new person is connected to many others, your possibilities are suddenly vastly larger.”
So, all in all, I found HOW LUCK HAPPENS to be an interesting, inspiring book, with tons of useful observations. I had not made the connection between “luck” and connecting with people before-that was an especially useful point. I was not so keen on the format of the book; it’s like “storytelling,” where the author quotes from her conversations with experts in the field. Nevertheless, there are many excellent ideas in this book—especially that point about “strength of weak ties.” I now realize that I must develop more connections. I guess that means I must start going to lots more parties.
for more, see:
https://www.bassocantor.com/blog/luck
In HOW LUCK HAPPENS, authors Janice Kaplan and Barnaby Marsh take a deep look at events that people often ascribe to “luck.” The authors argue that most of these situations happen not because of chance, but because of specific human actions—which might not be so obvious at first.
For example, the seemingly fortunate person might have been incredibly persistent despite numerous failures. Thomas Edison is cited as such an example: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Another path to luckiness is developing lots of connections: “People who know how to play the networking game often end up looking like the luckiest ones around. . . What appears to the outside world as random luck often comes from networking behind the scenes.”
The authors cite the power of observation as another factor that makes one lucky. Those who can spot clues have an advantage: “We get lucky when we know where we want to focus—or which possibilities we want to fire up.
I thought the most useful chapter was Chapter Five, “Connect to The Power of Other People.”
If you have lots of contacts, you will appear lucky. So, “Talk to the guy next to you on the plane . . . Give luck to get luck. . .. Rely on the strength of weak ties. . .. Go to every party.”
In Chapter Five, DO NOT MISS the discussion on “the strength of weak ties.” In the entire book, I thought this point was outstanding. When you are trying to get a job (for example), your closest network knows the same people as you do, so these connections are not too useful. It’s in your most distant connections, your “weak ties,” where the benefit happens: “Connecting with them opens up a whole new community of possibilities—and because each new person is connected to many others, your possibilities are suddenly vastly larger.”
So, all in all, I found HOW LUCK HAPPENS to be an interesting, inspiring book, with tons of useful observations. I had not made the connection between “luck” and connecting with people before-that was an especially useful point. I was not so keen on the format of the book; it’s like “storytelling,” where the author quotes from her conversations with experts in the field. Nevertheless, there are many excellent ideas in this book—especially that point about “strength of weak ties.” I now realize that I must develop more connections. I guess that means I must start going to lots more parties.
for more, see:
https://www.bassocantor.com/blog/luck
September 15, 2024
The authors explore the concept of luck and how it can be influenced by our actions and mindset. It’s definitely worth reading if you want to learn more about the science of luck, through some real-life examples, and through that learn to cultivate a luckier mindset and increase opportunities for luck. By reading this, you will definitely gain a new understanding of luck and its role in your life. And most importantly (for me, at least), it can help you develop a more optimistic outlook.
November 1, 2018
The book How Luck Happens tries to describe how you make your own luck. Two keys of this is to be passionate about something and also be persistent. Janice Kaplin, the author, interviewed many people in this book. The result of these interviews, in my opinion, is that these people saw failure but it never let it bother them. They went on regardless and eventually became successful.
In the final chapter, she boils it down to if you think you’re lucky person you are more likely to be lucky person.
In the final chapter, she boils it down to if you think you’re lucky person you are more likely to be lucky person.
April 20, 2021
Un buen libro, me gusta como retrata la suerte como algo que uno genera, peor en verdad algunas historias estaban de más, podría ser un libro de 150 páginas y entenderse igual.
December 30, 2018
Ok. To be honest this book is full of stories of people who got lucky by being in the right place at the right time etc. I didn't learn anything about luck really. Of course, I am old enough to have seen luck at work in my life and that of my friends and family. I believe one has to know what one wants in order to get it. One of the most interesting focuses is a magic spell. You can't do a spell wanting a results without knowing what the desire is! So a lucky person knows what he wants and puts himself in a position of opportunity. or some such......A lot of words, a lot of stories. just ok read.
August 19, 2018
'How Luck Happens: Using the Science of Luck to Transform Work, Love, and Life' by Janice Kaplan and Barnaby Marsh had a title that intrigued me. For the most part, I found this book upbeat and encouraging.
Luck favors the prepared. That one sentence sums up much of this book. From chapter titles like "Skate to Where the Puck Will Be" (thanks Wayne Gretzky), to the countless seemingly chance encounters with the fortunate, this book felt pretty encouraging. Barnaby Marsh is along to provide the science side of things, and I liked this part of the book.
I like the message of the book. We all have good and bad things that happen to us. Being prepared and having the right attitude can make the difference. The book was a fun read until some of the later chapters where the science became secondary to a sort of New Age emotional kind of mush. Which is too bad, because I enjoyed the first 80% of this book.
I received a review copy of this book from Dutton in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.
Luck favors the prepared. That one sentence sums up much of this book. From chapter titles like "Skate to Where the Puck Will Be" (thanks Wayne Gretzky), to the countless seemingly chance encounters with the fortunate, this book felt pretty encouraging. Barnaby Marsh is along to provide the science side of things, and I liked this part of the book.
I like the message of the book. We all have good and bad things that happen to us. Being prepared and having the right attitude can make the difference. The book was a fun read until some of the later chapters where the science became secondary to a sort of New Age emotional kind of mush. Which is too bad, because I enjoyed the first 80% of this book.
I received a review copy of this book from Dutton in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.
February 7, 2019
الحظ الجيد :
معادلة عبارة عن صدفة لطيفة
موهبة
العمل الجاد
كل ده مع بعضه بيشتغل على فكرة ان الحظ يكون فى مصلحتك و نقول بعلو صوتنا احنا محظوظين
كمان عشان نقدر نقول على نفسنا محظوظين محتاجين نكون دايما موجودين فى المكان الصح الى هيوفر لنا الفرصة + موهبتنا والعمل الجاد
وده طبعا هيشمل الحظ فى العمل والعلاقات والحب .. والحظ فى الحياة عمومآ
عشان نتجنب فكرة الحظ السىء : لازم نكون جاهزين لأسوأ سيناريو للموقف الى بنتخيل اننا هنكون منحوسن فيه او مش محظوظين
زى مثال مواعيد الشغل لو معادى 9 وانا نزلت 8 ونص والمسافة هتاخد نص ساعة
فأنا كدة اديت الفرصة للظروف تكشل حظى .. لكن لو نزلت بدرى والطريق اتعطل لأى سبب هوصل معادى برضو لإن كان فى وقت كافى يمنع انى اوصل متأخر وهكذا
كتاب جديد ال rating بتاعه 4 هنا
ده كان ملخص سريع للكتاب
معادلة عبارة عن صدفة لطيفة
موهبة
العمل الجاد
كل ده مع بعضه بيشتغل على فكرة ان الحظ يكون فى مصلحتك و نقول بعلو صوتنا احنا محظوظين
كمان عشان نقدر نقول على نفسنا محظوظين محتاجين نكون دايما موجودين فى المكان الصح الى هيوفر لنا الفرصة + موهبتنا والعمل الجاد
وده طبعا هيشمل الحظ فى العمل والعلاقات والحب .. والحظ فى الحياة عمومآ
عشان نتجنب فكرة الحظ السىء : لازم نكون جاهزين لأسوأ سيناريو للموقف الى بنتخيل اننا هنكون منحوسن فيه او مش محظوظين
زى مثال مواعيد الشغل لو معادى 9 وانا نزلت 8 ونص والمسافة هتاخد نص ساعة
فأنا كدة اديت الفرصة للظروف تكشل حظى .. لكن لو نزلت بدرى والطريق اتعطل لأى سبب هوصل معادى برضو لإن كان فى وقت كافى يمنع انى اوصل متأخر وهكذا
كتاب جديد ال rating بتاعه 4 هنا
ده كان ملخص سريع للكتاب
August 14, 2021
The most important note I got from this book is “The possibility of new opportunities is greater when you’re around people you hardly know, as opposed to your close network of friends and family”.
June 21, 2019
After hearing an interview with one of the authors, I’m happy to say I was not let down in the least. It was insightful, informative, moving, and challenging (in a good way!). Now I know at last how to honestly and confidently answer Clint Eastwood’s age-old question.
December 30, 2021
I must admit that it took me longer than what I expected, while it was an interesting book I sometimes I felt it dragged on too much. I do liked that there are some advices that are very interesting and also some insight in how other people view their own luck and the perspective they have on life.
I did enjoy it just not as much as I was hoping I do believe it’s an interesting study in the way we see life and the impact of positive thinking
I did enjoy it just not as much as I was hoping I do believe it’s an interesting study in the way we see life and the impact of positive thinking
January 15, 2021
I was excited to read this book and it definitely had some interesting information in it. I enjoyed the concept of "making luck." However, I had hoped for more actual science. Instead it used mostly examples (from famous people usually). I wanted them to be doing studies and explaining them--stuff like that. There was very little of that. Additionally, it could have easily been a third shorter than it was. And lastly, I was turned off by all the TV/movie/rich person examples they used throughout the book. I don't much care Hollywood (and I get that Kaplan worked in TV for a while, so that's the business she knows, but it's still not interesting to me). I don't consider actors the type of person I'm aspiring to be, nor do I think that being lucky and being rich/famous are the same thing. A few examples would have been fine, but there were way too many famous people examples combined with way too little science. So you'd get a story about a TV/movie agent guy who got "lucky" by putting himself in the right place (moving to L.A or New York because apparently they're the only 2 cities in the U.S. that count) and then buying a dinner he couldn't afford for a bunch of famous people. That's a fine little anecdote I guess, but it's no kind of science. How many people trying to break in or become an agent for the stars have done that exact same thing and just wound up with insurmountable credit card debt? We don't know (but I'm guessing plenty). Because it was completely undiscussed in any statistical kind of way. It was just a frustrating book in that way. Like, a cute (if you go for movie stars) story without any real accounting of what statistics or science supported it.
Basically, I thought it had some interesting concepts (that it didn't deliver on with real science or statistics) and a lot of potential, but it fell short.
Basically, I thought it had some interesting concepts (that it didn't deliver on with real science or statistics) and a lot of potential, but it fell short.
March 9, 2022
This book was rather disappointing as I was expecting more science to be discussed. This book is more anecdotal with a few experiments referenced. The basic idea of how to be lucky involves believing you can be lucky, being persistent, trying different things/routines, and meeting new people. In other words, common sense and being wisely experimental. I thought the author Janice Kaplan had a rather privileged life and seems oblivious to it. She wrote at one point that one of her first jobs was as a tv producer. That's pretty hard to get and she doesn't talk about how she thought luck played into that. She also mentions she meets Prince Talal, some Saudi Arabia prince I've never heard of. Again, how often do people get to meet a prince? She just made it sound like this was common as part of her day-to-day life.
Barnaby Marsh doesn't seem that bright to me even though the book says he was a Rhodes scholar. If his Luck Lab focuses on researching luck, he's not doing a very good job. Either that or Kaplan isn't capturing the research. His penny store was absurd and shows how out of touch he is. Where on this planet is there a place where you can double every day money and start with a penny? None! This is a useless theoretical concept and luck is really a practical matter, not simply theoretical.
This book does not approach luck scientifically and mainly focuses on stories so if you'd rather hear stories, then you might find this book interesting.
Barnaby Marsh doesn't seem that bright to me even though the book says he was a Rhodes scholar. If his Luck Lab focuses on researching luck, he's not doing a very good job. Either that or Kaplan isn't capturing the research. His penny store was absurd and shows how out of touch he is. Where on this planet is there a place where you can double every day money and start with a penny? None! This is a useless theoretical concept and luck is really a practical matter, not simply theoretical.
This book does not approach luck scientifically and mainly focuses on stories so if you'd rather hear stories, then you might find this book interesting.
November 27, 2021
It's not about actual lucks, but it's talking about what attitude we should have and to create our own chance or opportunity in order to get luck (success)
September 2, 2024
What if I told you that luck isn’t just a roll of the dice, but something you can actually shape and cultivate in your life? That’s the fascinating premise behind How Luck Happens by Janice Kaplan and Barnaby Marsh. They take what might seem like an elusive, almost mystical concept—luck—and break it down into something much more tangible and actionable.
In this book, Kaplan and Marsh explore how luck isn’t just a matter of chance but a combination of smart decisions, positioning yourself in the right environments, and being open to opportunities. They argue that while some people may seem luckier than others, what’s really happening is that they’re just better at creating the conditions where luck can flourish. It’s not about sitting back and waiting for good things to happen; it’s about knowing how to recognize and seize those moments when they do.
Throughout the book, they share intriguing stories of people who have seemingly “lucked out” in life—whether in their careers, love lives, or personal endeavors—but who, upon closer examination, actually played an active role in making their luck. These aren’t tales of lottery winners or fluke successes; instead, they’re about individuals who knew how to stack the deck in their favor, sometimes without even realizing it.
Kaplan and Marsh dive into the science of luck, pulling in research from psychology, behavioral economics, and even evolutionary biology to back up their insights. They show that luck often follows those who are prepared, curious, and proactive. This isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about making the right decisions and maintaining the right mindset so that when the stars align, you’re ready to grab the opportunity.
But it’s not all dry science. The authors pepper the book with relatable examples and practical advice that makes the whole concept feel accessible. They discuss how small changes in your habits, attitude, and social connections can dramatically increase your chances of experiencing what we typically call “luck.” You’ll find yourself nodding along, recognizing moments in your own life where a bit more awareness or a slightly different approach could have led to a lucky break.
The book is particularly enlightening when it comes to how we approach our careers and relationships. Kaplan and Marsh argue that being strategic, whether in your professional network or romantic endeavors, can significantly tilt the odds in your favor. They also emphasize the importance of resilience—how bouncing back from setbacks and staying open to new possibilities is a critical part of making luck happen.
By the time you finish, you’ll probably start seeing luck differently—not as something that just happens to you, but as something you can actively cultivate. It’s like a subtle shift in perspective that can have a profound impact on how you approach life’s uncertainties. In essence, How Luck Happens is a feel-good, yet scientifically grounded, guide to making the most of the randomness that life throws our way. It leaves you with the reassuring notion that while you can’t control everything, you can definitely nudge the odds in your favor.
https://tookshow.net/how-luck-happens/
In this book, Kaplan and Marsh explore how luck isn’t just a matter of chance but a combination of smart decisions, positioning yourself in the right environments, and being open to opportunities. They argue that while some people may seem luckier than others, what’s really happening is that they’re just better at creating the conditions where luck can flourish. It’s not about sitting back and waiting for good things to happen; it’s about knowing how to recognize and seize those moments when they do.
Throughout the book, they share intriguing stories of people who have seemingly “lucked out” in life—whether in their careers, love lives, or personal endeavors—but who, upon closer examination, actually played an active role in making their luck. These aren’t tales of lottery winners or fluke successes; instead, they’re about individuals who knew how to stack the deck in their favor, sometimes without even realizing it.
Kaplan and Marsh dive into the science of luck, pulling in research from psychology, behavioral economics, and even evolutionary biology to back up their insights. They show that luck often follows those who are prepared, curious, and proactive. This isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about making the right decisions and maintaining the right mindset so that when the stars align, you’re ready to grab the opportunity.
But it’s not all dry science. The authors pepper the book with relatable examples and practical advice that makes the whole concept feel accessible. They discuss how small changes in your habits, attitude, and social connections can dramatically increase your chances of experiencing what we typically call “luck.” You’ll find yourself nodding along, recognizing moments in your own life where a bit more awareness or a slightly different approach could have led to a lucky break.
The book is particularly enlightening when it comes to how we approach our careers and relationships. Kaplan and Marsh argue that being strategic, whether in your professional network or romantic endeavors, can significantly tilt the odds in your favor. They also emphasize the importance of resilience—how bouncing back from setbacks and staying open to new possibilities is a critical part of making luck happen.
By the time you finish, you’ll probably start seeing luck differently—not as something that just happens to you, but as something you can actively cultivate. It’s like a subtle shift in perspective that can have a profound impact on how you approach life’s uncertainties. In essence, How Luck Happens is a feel-good, yet scientifically grounded, guide to making the most of the randomness that life throws our way. It leaves you with the reassuring notion that while you can’t control everything, you can definitely nudge the odds in your favor.
https://tookshow.net/how-luck-happens/
April 15, 2018
I can sum this book up for you in one well-known paraphrased quote "Luck favors the prepared mind." I gave it three stars because the stories are great fun facts but the book had a reverse effect on me than intended. I felt worse about my life instead of luckier.... go figure!
Janice Kaplan and Barnaby use lots of stories to back up their scientific research that you create your own luck through, preparation, optimism and getting off your couch and seizing the day. They did admit early in the first few chapters that their research wasn't exactly groundbreaking. What they discovered is in keeping with what most Americans think about luck. Yes, it exists and some people are luckier (i.e. born into wealth, or better networked etc.) however, you must be clear on what you want and in active pursuit, if you will ever be lucky enough to receive it.
A story that stood out the most to me was an example the author used regarding investing in Microsoft when it was an unknown startup. She questioned a man who made several million off that that "lucky" investment. She asked him how many stocks he had invested in at the same time as Microsoft and he gave her a surprising answer. He invested in several companies and it so happened that Microsoft was the breakout kid. The millionaire played up his odds because he had the money and guts to do it. This example was to show that what often appears to be RANDOM luck is also people working very hard to increase their odds and throwing large sums of money at it too.
The authors have a lot of these anecdotes to show that luck is a breakdown of many components most of which tie back to you actively doing stuff to get lucky.
If anything its a fun read to hear the truth behind some of these "lucky breaks". In the end, it all boils down to you having a goal and getting off your couch to achieve it. Not much science to it if you ask me.
Janice Kaplan and Barnaby use lots of stories to back up their scientific research that you create your own luck through, preparation, optimism and getting off your couch and seizing the day. They did admit early in the first few chapters that their research wasn't exactly groundbreaking. What they discovered is in keeping with what most Americans think about luck. Yes, it exists and some people are luckier (i.e. born into wealth, or better networked etc.) however, you must be clear on what you want and in active pursuit, if you will ever be lucky enough to receive it.
A story that stood out the most to me was an example the author used regarding investing in Microsoft when it was an unknown startup. She questioned a man who made several million off that that "lucky" investment. She asked him how many stocks he had invested in at the same time as Microsoft and he gave her a surprising answer. He invested in several companies and it so happened that Microsoft was the breakout kid. The millionaire played up his odds because he had the money and guts to do it. This example was to show that what often appears to be RANDOM luck is also people working very hard to increase their odds and throwing large sums of money at it too.
The authors have a lot of these anecdotes to show that luck is a breakdown of many components most of which tie back to you actively doing stuff to get lucky.
If anything its a fun read to hear the truth behind some of these "lucky breaks". In the end, it all boils down to you having a goal and getting off your couch to achieve it. Not much science to it if you ask me.
June 29, 2020
After enjoying her 2020 memoir In Pursuit of Disobedient Women, I had to read this 2018 book How Luck Happens and I'll next look for her book The Gratitude Diaries. I loved every bit of the book! She and her coauthor Barnaby Rush are quite right that luck is what happens when you combine hard work, talent, and chance.
It's also true, as they show with interviews of real people they know or friends know that you need to watch for opportunities, get to know lots of people, be in the right place, take calculated risks, and donn't be afraid to fail.
Most important is to have the right attitude!
Believe you are a lucky person. They are more creative, resilient, and determined. Don't give up on your dreams unless you find that they need to be revised.
ve, or disaster situations.
But don't take my word for it, or the authors'. They interview lots of lucky, successful people.
In my life I haven't been too lucky with getting an incomplete spinal cord injury, uut I believe I'll one day not too far in the future I'll get lucky. All the science points to it. Luck needs patience.
I think it's true that bad luck can often be turned into good lucck if we change our perspectives and find new, unexpected ways to deal with what seems like bad luck. This happens in work, love, or disaster situations.
But don't take my word for it, or the authors'. They interview lots of lucky, successful people.
In my life I haven't been too lucky with getting an incomplete spinal cord injury, uut I believe I'll one day not too far in the future I'll get lucky. All the science points to it. Luck needs patience.
It's also true, as they show with interviews of real people they know or friends know that you need to watch for opportunities, get to know lots of people, be in the right place, take calculated risks, and donn't be afraid to fail.
Most important is to have the right attitude!
Believe you are a lucky person. They are more creative, resilient, and determined. Don't give up on your dreams unless you find that they need to be revised.
ve, or disaster situations.
But don't take my word for it, or the authors'. They interview lots of lucky, successful people.
In my life I haven't been too lucky with getting an incomplete spinal cord injury, uut I believe I'll one day not too far in the future I'll get lucky. All the science points to it. Luck needs patience.
I think it's true that bad luck can often be turned into good lucck if we change our perspectives and find new, unexpected ways to deal with what seems like bad luck. This happens in work, love, or disaster situations.
But don't take my word for it, or the authors'. They interview lots of lucky, successful people.
In my life I haven't been too lucky with getting an incomplete spinal cord injury, uut I believe I'll one day not too far in the future I'll get lucky. All the science points to it. Luck needs patience.
April 4, 2018
This is a self help book-cum-scientific analysis on luck. Luck is the meeting of Talent, hard work and chance.
Talent is not innate talent, but Passion, Persistence and Optimism
Hard work is self explanatory. but also the ability to make use of opportunity.
Chance - go where opportunities are. Your date would not appear if you are watching Netflix alone eating chips. Do something different, diversity. Go to all the parties. Use all your weak links.
Work: create unique opportunities for employment. Offer a solution to a problem to the boss and you would not need to send any resume ever again.
Love: be where the chance to meet others happens. Settle for someone good enough and build the relationship from there. Either that or have 8 children with different women like Mick Jagger, and miss the joy of close relationships with any.
Raising children: Let then know there’re many pathways of success, not only Ivy league school
Bad luck: may lead to something better
Health: base rate of various illnesses and accidents matter much more than risks reported in TV coverage
Most importantly, you must believe you are lucky in order to be lucky.
I really agree with a lot of what Kaplan wrote about. Of course, this suffers from the usual self-help book in focusing on the winners and ignoring people who tried hard but still are unlucky. Having said that, it is almost universal that people who are lucky do try hard, try many times and are competent in their work. Then when the lucky break comes they are able to seize the day.
Talent is not innate talent, but Passion, Persistence and Optimism
Hard work is self explanatory. but also the ability to make use of opportunity.
Chance - go where opportunities are. Your date would not appear if you are watching Netflix alone eating chips. Do something different, diversity. Go to all the parties. Use all your weak links.
Work: create unique opportunities for employment. Offer a solution to a problem to the boss and you would not need to send any resume ever again.
Love: be where the chance to meet others happens. Settle for someone good enough and build the relationship from there. Either that or have 8 children with different women like Mick Jagger, and miss the joy of close relationships with any.
Raising children: Let then know there’re many pathways of success, not only Ivy league school
Bad luck: may lead to something better
Health: base rate of various illnesses and accidents matter much more than risks reported in TV coverage
Most importantly, you must believe you are lucky in order to be lucky.
I really agree with a lot of what Kaplan wrote about. Of course, this suffers from the usual self-help book in focusing on the winners and ignoring people who tried hard but still are unlucky. Having said that, it is almost universal that people who are lucky do try hard, try many times and are competent in their work. Then when the lucky break comes they are able to seize the day.
October 27, 2023
I found this to be an informative and insightful book. The interviews were written in a manner that it made you feel like as if you were sitting right there while it was happening. I also liked it when the writing was done in a clear informative style and was easy to understand.
What I got out of this book is that there are different methods for creating luck for yourself. It may take some trial and error to figure out what method meets your needs, but it is possible. It all comes down to action and your state of mind. Reaching out to others for insight, guidance, perspective, or for making new social connections is another part of creating luck for yourself.
There were some insightful questions to ask yourself. Are you looking for workable solutions to your problems? Are you stuck dwelling over a past mistake? Are you thinking about what you can learn from your mistakes and how to adjust it to try again, with a new perspective, new knowledge, and new skills? Are you willing to think and take action outside of the box?
When I first started reading the book, I was in a funk about my educational and career goals. As I read the book, I found myself lifting out of my funk and I started to try again towards my goals. Now that the book is finished, I feel like myself and back on track. Thanks.
Sometimes in life you need to take a break, read something different, do something different than normal to find your way back to yourself.
What I got out of this book is that there are different methods for creating luck for yourself. It may take some trial and error to figure out what method meets your needs, but it is possible. It all comes down to action and your state of mind. Reaching out to others for insight, guidance, perspective, or for making new social connections is another part of creating luck for yourself.
There were some insightful questions to ask yourself. Are you looking for workable solutions to your problems? Are you stuck dwelling over a past mistake? Are you thinking about what you can learn from your mistakes and how to adjust it to try again, with a new perspective, new knowledge, and new skills? Are you willing to think and take action outside of the box?
When I first started reading the book, I was in a funk about my educational and career goals. As I read the book, I found myself lifting out of my funk and I started to try again towards my goals. Now that the book is finished, I feel like myself and back on track. Thanks.
Sometimes in life you need to take a break, read something different, do something different than normal to find your way back to yourself.
October 26, 2023
I'm not one to leave one-star reviews very often. Usually there's something I enjoy, some appreciation of the craft that goes into writing. But I started this book open-minded, quickly become gently bemused, and ended up quite apoplectic. Replace every instance of luck with privilege, and you're some way closer to the truth of the book.
As the writer talks about Upper East Side book parties and her Alaskan ranch-owning co-author, you'll slide from incredulity to barely-disguised disgust too, I suspect.
I stopped about half way through, when the writer called a (I assume black or Latinx) person 'exotic', and implied that poor people might not be able to handle their 'luck' when it comes. How a member of the New York literati could be so utterly blinded to their own privilege escapes me.
I simply could not believe this was released in 2o18. Think of the number of genuinely enlightening manuscripts in nonfiction that get tossed on the scrapheap in favour of publishing something like this.
As the writer talks about Upper East Side book parties and her Alaskan ranch-owning co-author, you'll slide from incredulity to barely-disguised disgust too, I suspect.
I stopped about half way through, when the writer called a (I assume black or Latinx) person 'exotic', and implied that poor people might not be able to handle their 'luck' when it comes. How a member of the New York literati could be so utterly blinded to their own privilege escapes me.
I simply could not believe this was released in 2o18. Think of the number of genuinely enlightening manuscripts in nonfiction that get tossed on the scrapheap in favour of publishing something like this.
April 11, 2021
I borrowed this book from the Plano Public Library as I wanted to start my one book a month spree in January this year. This is a book that opened my thinking to look at opportunities in a different way. After reading this book, I made a list of my lucky encounters (I would recommend everyone to do this) of people who have changed the course of my life and decisions which brought me to my current state. I'm grateful to the authors for showing how lucky people are just outliers who find paths others missed. A lot of luck in life is truly seeing what others don't see. New possibilities come to us when we recognize our surroundings, are unafraid and don't worry what others think. The book is engaging and describes several scenarios and gives you options to maximize your luck. Some of them are big decisions you HAVE TO make to experience luck while others are simple changes you MUST make to get lucky. I wish you a happy reading.
October 25, 2023
Kaplan and Marsh skillfully unravel the concept of luck in their book "How Luck Happens," blending humor and well-researched insights. They meticulously explore every facet of this elusive phenomenon, bolstering their arguments with real-life examples that make a compelling case for the existence of luck. The book not only educates but also resonates with readers on a personal level, drawing them closer to their own experiences. I wholeheartedly endorse the three key components that underpin luck, and I intend to keep them in mind as a guide for maintaining a positive outlook and allowing luck to manifest in my life. This book delves into the intricate web of factors that contribute to these three components, ultimately leading to fortunate outcomes. I won't divulge further details; instead, I encourage you to read the book for yourself. I guarantee you'll discover stories that deeply resonate with your own experiences.
Read
August 13, 2021Luck is more in our control than we think. By following the principles outlined here – that is, combining hard work, talent and chance, and preparing and putting yourself in places where opportunity is likely to strike – you can increase your susceptibility to luck.
Actionable advice:
Steer through life with a compass, not a map.
To find the places where the opportunities to become lucky are high, you need to have a plan. But an overly rigid plan – that is, clearly defined life map – can cause you to miss those important opportunities. So trade out your map for a compass. If you know the general direction you wish to go in, you will be able to adapt if the landscape changes around you. It requires courage and self-confidence, but walking your own path will lead you to opportunities that might just change your luck.
Actionable advice:
Steer through life with a compass, not a map.
To find the places where the opportunities to become lucky are high, you need to have a plan. But an overly rigid plan – that is, clearly defined life map – can cause you to miss those important opportunities. So trade out your map for a compass. If you know the general direction you wish to go in, you will be able to adapt if the landscape changes around you. It requires courage and self-confidence, but walking your own path will lead you to opportunities that might just change your luck.
August 13, 2021
Luck is more in our control than we think. By following the principles outlined here – that is, combining hard work, talent and chance, and preparing and putting yourself in places where opportunity is likely to strike – you can increase your susceptibility to luck.
Steer through life with a compass, not a map. To find the places where the opportunities to become lucky are high, you need to have a plan. But an overly rigid plan – that is, clearly defined life map – can cause you to miss those important opportunities. So trade out your map for a compass. If you know the general direction you wish to go in, you will be able to adapt if the landscape changes around you. It requires courage and self-confidence, but walking your own path will lead you to opportunities that might just change your luck.
Steer through life with a compass, not a map. To find the places where the opportunities to become lucky are high, you need to have a plan. But an overly rigid plan – that is, clearly defined life map – can cause you to miss those important opportunities. So trade out your map for a compass. If you know the general direction you wish to go in, you will be able to adapt if the landscape changes around you. It requires courage and self-confidence, but walking your own path will lead you to opportunities that might just change your luck.
July 22, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Be where the puck is going.
- See where the trajectory of the next move will be vs. where the crowd is already gathering.
2. Be in the environment that has access.
- Mother Theresa flew first class because that is where potential donors are for 12 hours.
3. Make a network through other people.
- Use extended network (interconnected)
- Serve others without expecting anything in return.
- Making others lucky increases your own luck too.
4. Zig where others zag
5. Positive Attitude to see opportunities
- Negativity supports the false belief that you are not in control of your life.
6. Get lucky by diversifying.
7. Luck builds on luck.
- be prepared. Be ready
8. The work you are doing enhances your luck.
9. Teach kids how to make their own luck.
- Lucky kids know there are many paths to happiness.
- Trust your child to support them in finding their own path.
10. Setting up parameters to reject moving forward.
- Not assume all is well
- Guidelines that kick to direct decisions.
1. Be where the puck is going.
- See where the trajectory of the next move will be vs. where the crowd is already gathering.
2. Be in the environment that has access.
- Mother Theresa flew first class because that is where potential donors are for 12 hours.
3. Make a network through other people.
- Use extended network (interconnected)
- Serve others without expecting anything in return.
- Making others lucky increases your own luck too.
4. Zig where others zag
5. Positive Attitude to see opportunities
- Negativity supports the false belief that you are not in control of your life.
6. Get lucky by diversifying.
7. Luck builds on luck.
- be prepared. Be ready
8. The work you are doing enhances your luck.
9. Teach kids how to make their own luck.
- Lucky kids know there are many paths to happiness.
- Trust your child to support them in finding their own path.
10. Setting up parameters to reject moving forward.
- Not assume all is well
- Guidelines that kick to direct decisions.
May 1, 2018
I thought I was lucky to find this book on the shelf because I met to check out Janice Kaplan and her other book (Gratitude Diaries). Now that I finished, I don't feel lucky or learned a whole lot.
Each chapter started with Janice conversing with Barnaby Marsh (the co-author) about an aspect of luck and then her following her famous contacts (or her contacts' contacts) to shed more light on the topic.
I did wonder how she got to talk to such famous people so easily (and have someone with a lucky lift?) Maybe I could have looked at this as a meta-guide to luck .... While reading about a woman trying to figure out about luck, we are actually observing a lucky woman and can draw our own conclusions about luck.
Each chapter started with Janice conversing with Barnaby Marsh (the co-author) about an aspect of luck and then her following her famous contacts (or her contacts' contacts) to shed more light on the topic.
I did wonder how she got to talk to such famous people so easily (and have someone with a lucky lift?) Maybe I could have looked at this as a meta-guide to luck .... While reading about a woman trying to figure out about luck, we are actually observing a lucky woman and can draw our own conclusions about luck.
August 15, 2018
Without being too critical, this book was absolutely dreary for me.
I gave it 2 stars nevertheless because there are some good reminders, such as that you create your own luck and that your reaction to the circumstances you’ve been put in to determines the type of lucky/unlucky outcomes. It reminds you to keep an open mind about opportunities, and to build connections.
Unfortunately, the book was written in a manner that made it extremely hard to read - it revolves around long, wordy dialogues (I met person A this morning, and he told me about person B, and together we went to see person C who said......and I realized that this is why they are lucky!) with little clarity on the point it was driving at.
It felt like I was reading someone’s diary.
I gave it 2 stars nevertheless because there are some good reminders, such as that you create your own luck and that your reaction to the circumstances you’ve been put in to determines the type of lucky/unlucky outcomes. It reminds you to keep an open mind about opportunities, and to build connections.
Unfortunately, the book was written in a manner that made it extremely hard to read - it revolves around long, wordy dialogues (I met person A this morning, and he told me about person B, and together we went to see person C who said......and I realized that this is why they are lucky!) with little clarity on the point it was driving at.
It felt like I was reading someone’s diary.
Read
December 26, 2019Luck depends on
1. Chance
2. Talent
3. Hard Work
Be Persistent and Passionate (Do not give up in the face of adversity and negativity)
Be at the right place (Increases probability of success)
Widen your network of acquaintances
Strength of weak ties (Weak ties in conference and social meetings help 3x faster to find job through friends of friends rather then internet)
Diversify your life by working on multiple projects (It helps to work with more people and work on other peoples project through collaboration)
Get recommendations from people
Always be prepared ( Either opportunity arises or bad luck strikes) (we can narrow down harmful effect caused by bad luck)
Change your outlook/perspective and you change your luck
1. Chance
2. Talent
3. Hard Work
Be Persistent and Passionate (Do not give up in the face of adversity and negativity)
Be at the right place (Increases probability of success)
Widen your network of acquaintances
Strength of weak ties (Weak ties in conference and social meetings help 3x faster to find job through friends of friends rather then internet)
Diversify your life by working on multiple projects (It helps to work with more people and work on other peoples project through collaboration)
Get recommendations from people
Always be prepared ( Either opportunity arises or bad luck strikes) (we can narrow down harmful effect caused by bad luck)
Change your outlook/perspective and you change your luck
March 15, 2020
Perhaps I should rate this book lower, but the authors delivered a well written product here. I was really excited to learn about luck, and maybe I was expecting a little too much of the magic bullet to having more luck. Unfortunately, no magic bullet, but the authors lay out a very intriguing formula for good luck in life. However, the authors clearly lack depth with this topic. It felt like it was the same story told over and over again. Maybe 85 or 90 times across the 17 or 18 chapters. But, each story essentially told the same thing about luck. The reason I am giving 4 stars is that in spite of the repetitive nature of each story, the authors do a really good job of making each individual story about luck interesting, with most of them quite engaging.
June 15, 2024
Not that bad, but I think this book wasn't THAT informative (might have been partially why I liked it hehe). It's a lot of stories about people who were at the right place at the right time and got lucky. It's lessons were more along the lines of "get a lucky attitude," and "take risks and know what you have," things that you would probably be taught or can find on the internet. Of course, the important part of this book is the stories, and I think the author certainly did a really good job finding, researching, interviewing, etc all those people and writing down their stories. Just in terms of nonfiction, doesn't really provide a lot of info and doesn't fit the title that well.
April 5, 2018
Many common sense and overstated exemples. This book could be summarized by one of my good friends sayings « Luck favors the well prepared ». It is said differently and more lengthly in the book but you get the idea. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity is the authors version. I liked the part when they tell us how to explain to kids how to build their luck, mainly by teaching them that their life is in THEIR control. The main idea of the book is Luck = hard work+talent + chance
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