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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Why Some People Seem to Win More Often Than Others
'Can You Learn to be Lucky?' by Karla Starr examines the science behind luck through compelling anecdotes and research-backed insights. It argues that we can improve our life by cultivating a luck-ready mindset and adopting specific habits.
You’ve doubtless heard someone account for a serendipitous event – be it a job opportunity, a promotion or a romantic encounter – by saying, “I was just in the right place at the right time.” Well, it turns out there is a lot of truth to this cliché. At the very least, the “right time” part is crucial.
Counterintuitive as it might seem, luck often depends on coming last.
In any situation where a number of people, objects or performances are judged against each other, being among the last to be judged increases your chances of success.
For example, an analysis of European figure-skating championships between 1994 and 2004 found that the first skater to perform had a 3 percent chance of winning, whereas the final performer had a 14 percent chance. The same pattern has been found in everything from synchronized-swimming championships to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Why is this? Well, the human brain is wired to work this way. It relies on context, on the information and emotions that are currently available to it.
Just consider house hunting. The first properties you view will be judged against your ideals because your mind isn’t yet stocked with real-life examples of real estate to compare them to. But, over time, as you see more properties, your brain will receive information about what is actually out there. You’ll start to think, “Well, this house seems pretty good compared to the first nine I looked at.”
House hunters viewing their first property never say, “This house is perfect! We’ll take it!” They wait until they’ve seen a number of houses before settling on one they like.
In the same way, figure-skating judges are reluctant to award an early competitor a 5.9 or a 6 (the highest marks available) because this will make it impossible to give later competitors a higher mark. By the end, competitors are more likely to pick up those high marks, however, since the judges know there is no one else coming who could trump them.
So going last is lucky. If you can choose a job interview slot, go last. Want to pick up that hot guy at the bar? Make your attempt late in the evening.
Can You Learn to Be Lucky (2018) explores how unseen biases dictate our personal behavior and world events in ways that are often quite predictable. By understanding the mechanisms behind seemingly lucky events, we can learn how to harness luck to our advantage.
Can You Learn to be Lucky? (2018) explores the science of luck and offers practical strategies to increase our chances of success. Here's why this book is worth reading:
When there is a fixed number of entries, go last.
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Can You Learn to be Lucky?
The main message of Can You Learn to be Lucky? is that luck is a skill that can be learned and developed.
How long does it take to read Can You Learn to be Lucky?
The reading time for Can You Learn to be Lucky? varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Can You Learn to be Lucky? a good book? Is it worth reading?
Can You Learn to be Lucky? is a valuable read for anyone looking to understand the science behind luck and improve their chances of success.
Who is the author of Can You Learn to be Lucky?
The author of Can You Learn to be Lucky? is Karla Starr.