Thursday, July 30, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

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Professor shares why the key to improving your luck is having ‘more collisions’

Professor Sean Johnson's insights into the dynamics of luck, as inspired by James Austin's work, offer a compelling narrative: luck is not merely a fortuitous happenstance but a phenomenon that can be cultivated through intentional action. By embracing the 'Kettering Principle'—the idea that 'chance favors those in motion'—Johnson emphasizes the transformative power of increasing our interactions and engagements with the world. His advice to 'collide' more with new people, ideas, and experiences underscores a proactive approach to life, suggesting that by stepping outside our comfort zones, we enhance our likelihood of encountering serendipitous opportunities.

The practical examples Johnson provides—such as attending events, engaging on social media, or hosting gatherings—are not just theoretical musings but actionable steps that anyone can adopt. This approach aligns with psychologist Richard Wiseman's findings that 'lucky' people are those who are open to new interactions and experiences. Johnson's message resonates particularly in a post-COVID world, where inertia has become a familiar state for many. By advocating for movement and exploration, he challenges us to redefine our relationship with luck, encouraging a shift from passive expectation to active pursuit.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of feeling stuck or unlucky, particularly exacerbated by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The actions
Encouraging people to increase their social and professional interactions through events, social media, and networking.
Evidence of progress
Johnson references studies by Richard Wiseman showing that people who engage more with their environment report feeling luckier.
What we can learn
Others can learn that by actively seeking new experiences and interactions, they can create more opportunities for positive outcomes.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story

Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.

Positive Emotion
8
Engagement
9
Relationships
8
Meaning
7
Accomplishment
7
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Curiosity

    Johnson encourages us to 'collide' with new ideas and people, which inherently requires a curious approach to life.

  • Courage

    He acknowledges the discomfort in hosting events or reaching out to strangers, urging us to overcome inertia.

  • Hope

    By suggesting that increasing our movement can lead to positive outcomes, Johnson instills hope that we can influence our luck.

Try this today

This week, commit to attending one event or reaching out to someone new, whether it's a networking event, a community gathering, or simply introducing yourself to a neighbor. Observe how these 'collisions' might lead to unexpected opportunities or insights.