New research suggests that luck is not a matter of chance but a product of brain chemistry and behaviour that can be cultivated. Kōnosuke Matsushita, founder of Panasonic, famously valued luck above credentials in job candidates, a notion that now finds support in neuroscience.
Studies show that declaring oneself lucky activates the prefrontal cortex, shifting perception from threat detection to opportunity recognition. This self-fulfilling prophecy leads individuals to notice and seize more opportunities, reinforcing their belief in their own good fortune.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter regulating mood and resilience, plays a key role. Morning sunlight, tryptophan-rich foods, and regular sleep cycles boost serotonin production, while erratic habits suppress it and elevate cortisol, narrowing attention and reducing serendipity.
Lucky individuals also follow their 'fascination compass', pursuing genuine interests rather than societal expectations. This activates the dopamine system, enhancing motivation and creativity. They score high on novelty-seeking, taking small risks that increase their chances of serendipitous encounters.
Counterintuitively, lucky people are not selfish; acts of generosity activate the brain's reward centre more powerfully than receiving. This suggests that luck is not passive but actively generated through specific neurological and behavioural patterns.
