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Unlucky people miss chance opportunities because they are too focused on looking for something else. They go to parties intent on finding their perfect partner and so miss opportunities to make good friends. They look through newspapers determined to find certain types of job advertisements and as a result miss other types of jobs. Lucky people are more relaxed and open, and therefore see what is there rather than just what they are looking for.
Richard Wiseman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities rather than fixating on a specific goal.

Richard Wiseman's quote highlights the idea that those who are fixated on a single outcome often overlook other valuable opportunities that may arise. In contrast, individuals who maintain a relaxed and open mindset are more likely to recognize and seize unforeseen chances, whether in relationships or career prospects. This underscores the significance of flexibility and awareness in achieving success and fulfillment.

Themes

OpportunityMindsetRelaxationSuccessFriendshipJobs

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about personal growth and career development.

More from Richard Wiseman

Unlucky people are stuck in routines. When they see something new, they want no part of it. Lucky people always want something new. They're prepared to take risks and relaxed enough to see the opportunities in the first place.
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Our beliefs do not sit passively in our brains waiting to be confirmed or contradicted by incoming information. Instead, they play a key role in shaping how we see the world.
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