Why do some people seem to have all the luck while others who may be equally talented and presentable never get that big career break or meet the right person?

It’s not some kind of magic ability or random chance, says British psychologist Richard Wiseman; to a large extent, “people generate their own good fortune.”

Over a 10-year period, Wiseman monitored 400 subjects who considered themselves very lucky or not lucky at all, and isolated four principles that set lucky people apart:

They make an effort to notice and create unforeseen opportunities; they act on their intuition instead of sitting on their hands; they maintain positive expectations; and if something goes wrong, they imagine how it could have been worse, then pick up the pieces and see what they can build with them.

Wiseman found that when subjects consciously practiced these principles, eight out of ten reported feeling happier, more satisfied, and, yes, luckier.

Deliberately widen your awareness beyond your immediate tasks. Visit a new place or try a new activity at least once a week. Strike up more conversations with strangers. Those steps alone will start to make a difference.