Bad things happen in life — that’s just the way it goes.
A lot of the time, it’s completely out of your control and has nothing to do with anything you did wrong. However, some people become addicted to writing themselves off as “unlucky” in life, insisting that they’re perpetual victims for whom nothing good ever happens. If this sounds like you, you have to ask yourself whether that’s actually the case or whether you’re hung up on throwing yourself a pity party.
1. You keep replaying the bad stuff.
Source: Unsplash When things go wrong, replaying the scenario over and over only makes it feel worse. Sure, everyone has a rough day or week, but when you’re always looking back on those tough moments, it’s like you’re building a highlight reel of bad luck. This habit keeps your mind focused on what’s gone wrong instead of what could go right. Moving forward gets easier when you start giving the good moments a little more attention. Letting go of that replay button can help you see things in a new light.
2. You find comfort in feeling like the underdog.
For some people, being “unlucky” starts to feel like part of their identity. It can be tempting to lean into the idea of being the one life treats unfairly, especially when it comes with sympathy from others. But staying stuck in this role doesn’t leave much room for a different story. Finding strength outside of that underdog mindset can give you a fresh perspective. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in how you see yourself to start seeing the world differently too.
3. Complaining has become second nature.
When complaining is your go-to response, even little things start to feel like proof that life’s out to get you. Sure, venting can feel good in the moment, but making it a habit just reinforces those negative feelings. After a while, it’s hard to see anything positively when complaints keep piling up. Swapping out a complaint for something neutral, or even positive, can gradually change how you experience your day. It’s about breaking that cycle of always expecting the worst.
4. You ignore the good moments.
If you’re used to feeling unlucky, good moments might not stand out as much, or they might feel like a fluke. When you focus only on what goes wrong, the good stuff just fades into the background, unnoticed. But recognising those little positives each day can shift your mindset bit by bit. It’s not about being overly optimistic; it’s just giving good moments the space they deserve. Noticing the good might be easier than you think once you start looking for it.
5. You’ve stopped setting goals.
Feeling unlucky often leads people to believe there’s no point in aiming for something better. Goals can start to feel pointless if you’re convinced life just won’t cooperate. But without goals, there’s no chance for progress or small wins that remind you things can change. Setting even tiny goals helps bring some direction and purpose back. Moving forward, even in little ways, can make “bad luck” feel a little less overwhelming.
6. You compare yourself to everyone else.
When you’re focused on how well others are doing, it’s easy to feel like luck’s just never on your side. The problem with constant comparison is that it only highlights what you don’t have. Instead, recognising your own progress, no matter how small, can bring the focus back to your journey. Not everything is as perfect as it seems on the outside, anyway. Staying in your lane helps you see how much you’re capable of on your own terms.
7. You avoid taking risks.
Believing you’re unlucky can make taking risks feel pointless or even scary. If you’ve convinced yourself that things never work out, it’s no surprise that stepping out of your comfort zone feels impossible. But staying safe also means staying stuck, missing out on chances that could lead somewhere positive. Taking small steps outside your usual path can remind you that things don’t have to go wrong. There’s power in proving to yourself that not every risk ends badly.
8. You expect things to go wrong.
If you go into situations already assuming the worst, chances are you’ll end up finding it. This mindset not only affects your mood but often ends up shaping the outcome itself. When you’re waiting for something to fail, you’re not giving it a fair shot to succeed. Adjusting expectations doesn’t mean being naive; it’s just about being open to possibilities. Sometimes, expecting something better can bring better things your way.
9. You don’t take responsibility when things go wrong.
Blaming outside forces for every setback can make you feel powerless and unlucky. While things don’t always go our way, taking some ownership when things go sideways can be surprisingly empowering. It’s not about blaming yourself, just recognising where you have some control. Seeing setbacks as part of growth changes the way you view “bad luck.” Responsibility can actually be a reminder of your own strength.
10. You only notice what you lack.
Focusing only on what’s missing makes it easy to feel like life’s not giving you a fair shot. This way of thinking keeps you locked into a mindset of scarcity, always chasing what you don’t have. Taking a moment to acknowledge what’s already there can make a big difference. Recognising what you do have, even in small doses, breaks that cycle of “never enough.” It’s a shift that makes life feel a little fuller.
11. You’re quick to say “I can’t.”
When you’re used to feeling unlucky, “I can’t” can become your default response. It’s like a way of protecting yourself from the disappointment of failure before you even try. But over time, this mindset blocks opportunities you might actually enjoy or succeed in. Trying something new doesn’t have to be all or nothing; it’s just a chance to stretch your boundaries a bit. Letting go of “I can’t” opens up room for some unexpected wins.
12. You hold grudges over silly things.
Carrying past hurts keeps your mind in a loop of negative thinking, which makes everything feel harder. When you’re holding on to ancient history, even current situations can feel heavy and unlucky. Releasing grudges doesn’t mean forgetting—it’s just about freeing yourself from that constant weight. A little lightness in your mind can make the present feel less like a burden. Moving forward feels easier without the baggage.
13. You assume others have it easier.
When you believe others have it easy, it’s easy to feel unlucky by comparison. But everyone faces struggles that aren’t always obvious, and assuming life’s easier for others can lead to resentment. Recognising that we all deal with challenges brings a bit more empathy into the picture. It reminds you that luck isn’t always the whole story. Feeling less alone in your struggles can be oddly freeing.
14. You wait for things to change without taking action.
Source: Unsplash Waiting for luck to turn around can keep you feeling stuck and frustrated. While some things are out of your control, there’s often a small step you can take to shift things. Taking even the smallest action gives you some control back. It’s about realising that change often starts with effort, not luck. Moving forward, even a bit, is often better than waiting.
15. You’re convinced “luck” is the problem.
Source: Unsplash Blaming luck for everything can become a comfortable excuse that stops you from looking deeper. It can feel easier to say it’s all luck rather than consider what might be within your control. Recognising where you can make small changes shifts the power back to you. Luck isn’t the only thing at play, and seeing that can be empowering. Realising this might be the first step toward creating your own “luck.”
