We think of people who, it appears, find happiness in whatever they do as the lucky ones. It seems like they were born under a lucky star, meaning one is born this way while another isn’t.

In many cultures across the world, there are even lucky charms and symbols specifically made to draw in fortune and success, like a rabbit’s foot, ladybug, horseshoe, dreamcatcher, and so on. 

But according to Neil Farber, a certified life coach and hypnotherapist, the so-called "lucky" people differ from the unlucky ones not because we were born different, but because we put different amounts of work into what we are trying to achieve.

Neil, who says “many people have considered me to be a lucky person,” doesn’t see it that way and he lists all the different features that separate the lucky.

First, they are being proactive. “'Lucky' people make things happen. They are proactive rather than reactive. They make their future. And when you can take responsibility for your words, actions, and behavior, you have more control of your destiny."

Second, while most of us are blind to opportunities in front of us, successful people are opportunists. “They have the ability to take advantage of novel and often concealed opportunities when they arise,” Neil Farber explains.

Third, successful people are being flexible. You see, life is dynamic and many things don't simply depend on us. “Appreciating the dynamics of life and being able to go with the flow provides enormous advantages to finding new ways of doing things or getting places or creating opportunities.”

Taking advantage of new things is key, whatever they may be, and there’s always a good side to whatever happens. In fact, luck has a lot to do with your perspective of things, which directly affects your behavior and decisions.

And last, try doing something out of the ordinary every week. Many times, we get comfortable with our routines, but they may lead to ruts. Stepping outside your boundaries increases the likelihood of a lucky break. And nobody has to go crazy about it. Simple things, like trying a new hobby, meeting new people, and trying different foods can work wonders.

Most importantly, the concept of luck is flawed because it implies that this is something we cannot change. But whatever our situation, background, advantages and disadvantages are, there are always things you can build upon.