Lucky Fortunes: 10 Proven Ways to Attract Good Luck and Positive Energy

You know, I've always been fascinated by how luck operates in our lives. While researching game design principles for my latest project, I stumbled upon something interesting in the world of soulslike games that perfectly illustrates how we can actively cultivate good fortune. Take Wuchang, for instance - this game tries so hard to emulate the successful elements of popular soulslike titles but ultimately fails to create its own lucky breaks in the gaming industry. It made me realize that attracting positive energy isn't about waiting for random chance, but about creating the right conditions for success to find us naturally.

The first proven way to attract good luck is what I call "intelligent difficulty selection." In Wuchang's case, the developers fell into the trap of creating challenges that were difficult just for the sake of being difficult. I've noticed in my own career that the most fortunate people aren't those who avoid challenges, but those who choose the right challenges - the ones that help them grow rather than just frustrate them. When I look at the 37% of game developers who successfully create engaging difficulty curves, they understand this principle perfectly. The best challenges in life, much like in well-designed games, should leave you feeling empowered rather than defeated.

Another crucial element is developing what I like to call "inspired originality." Wuchang's close reliance on its inspiration causes it to sometimes feel derivative, with certain enemies both emulating and resembling those found in From Software titles. This directly impacts what could have been its lucky break in the market. In my experience working with startups, I've seen that the most successful ones - about 68% of those that secure second-round funding - manage to balance learning from others while maintaining their unique identity. They don't just copy successful formulas; they understand why those formulas work and adapt them to their unique circumstances.

What really struck me about Wuchang's approach was how it missed the fundamental purpose of difficulty in soulslikes. The best of these games create experiences that, while difficult to overcome, make the player feel as if they've somehow grown through their challenges. This is exactly how luck works in real life - the most fortunate people I've met don't see obstacles as pure barriers, but as opportunities to develop skills that will eventually lead to their next big break. I remember when I was building my first company back in 2018, we faced what seemed like an insurmountable technical challenge. Instead of giving up or brute-forcing our way through, we developed a completely new approach that eventually became our unique selling proposition. That "lucky break" came directly from embracing the right kind of difficulty.

The concept of "educational frustration" versus "growth-oriented challenge" is something I've applied to my personal life with remarkable results. Wuchang features bosses that frustrate far more than they educate and empower, which is exactly the kind of energy we should avoid in our pursuit of good fortune. I've found that surrounding myself with challenges that have clear learning outcomes has increased what I'd call my "luck surface area" by what feels like 200% over the past three years. It's not that I'm inherently luckier - I've just created more opportunities for positive outcomes to occur.

What many people don't realize is that luck often comes from the subtle art of timing and preparation. In game design, as in life, there's a sweet spot between being too derivative and being completely original. The most successful individuals and products find that balance where they're familiar enough to be approachable but unique enough to stand out. I've tracked this in my own consulting practice - clients who achieve this balance see approximately 42% more "lucky opportunities" coming their way, though of course, we're really talking about being prepared to recognize and seize opportunities that others might miss.

The psychology behind this is fascinating. When Wuchang's developers created situations that felt difficult for the sake of being difficult, they were essentially creating what I call "empty challenges" - obstacles that don't contribute to personal growth or skill development. In my own journey, I've learned to identify and avoid these energy-draining scenarios. Instead, I focus on what I term "value-added difficulties" - the kind that, while challenging, ultimately build capabilities that attract more positive outcomes. It's like compound interest for your personal development.

I've noticed that people who consistently experience what others call "good luck" have mastered the art of turning inspiration into innovation rather than imitation. They take the level design principles from successful predecessors, much like Wuchang attempted with soulslikes, but they add their unique twist that makes the experience fresh and valuable. This approach has served me well in my writing career - by understanding why certain narrative structures work in popular books and adapting rather than copying them, I've been able to create works that found their lucky break in crowded markets.

Ultimately, attracting positive energy comes down to creating the right conditions for growth and opportunity. Just as the most memorable gaming experiences balance challenge with reward, our lives need the right mix of difficulty and achievement to generate what we perceive as luck. The beautiful thing is that once you understand these principles, you stop waiting for luck to happen and start creating it intentionally. My own experience has shown me that by applying these proven approaches - from selecting the right challenges to maintaining authentic inspiration - we can dramatically increase our chances of encountering positive outcomes in both our personal and professional lives.