For many, luck is defined as fortunate circumstances beyond their control. People hope to get lucky, or wish to change their luck when suffering misfortune. They often look at other people who are seemingly blessed, wishing they themselves could be so lucky. Of course, often they are missing the whole story. Hard-won challenges rarely reveal themselves in the wake of the successful appearance of others. Aside from those few born into great wealth or stumbling into amazingly rare opportunities, most successful people create their own good luck. Without the use of leprechauns, potions, or amulets, they simply persevere with an opportunistic attitude and a strong work ethic. Here are seven ways they use those tools to increase their good fortune regularly. See if you can use them to sprinkle a bit of Irish luck upon ye. No blarney required.

1. Have clear standards.

If you can't identify when good luck is upon you, it might just fly right by. Opportunities are all around, and seemingly unlucky people are needlessly wasting time and resources chasing them indiscriminately. Incredibly lucky people know well what they are looking for and don't lift a finger for possibilities that don't fit with their intended destiny. They have a committed plan that allows them to filter out anything that smells of a dead end.

2. Observe the world.

If your nose is buried deep in your own business, it's hard see what's going on around you and good opportunities will be missed. Incredibly lucky people are always looking up to see what's happening. The more they observe, the easier it is for them to take advantage of trends and patterns. What may look supremely smart may simply be an advantage of awareness.

3. Don't assume.

People who assume the world is an unlucky place where the odds are stacked against them are sure to experience life that way. Incredibly lucky people start with a spirit of inquiry. They take little for granted and want to explore the possibilities even when they think they might actually have it all figured out. They know there is always more to learn.

4. Create space.

Many people pass on great opportunities because they are simply too full. Their life is too busy with meaningless or inefficient activity. Incredibly lucky people understand the need to always have time and resources available for the right opportunity. They work hard to be as productive and efficient as possible so they can capitalize quickly and effectively on the right opportunity when it comes along in all its rarity.

5. Break with routine.

People who walk the same path every day may take great comfort in the routine, but they will rarely see new and exciting stimulus. Incredibly lucky people change things up with great regularity. They are always looking to explore new vistas and understand as much of the world as they can fathom. Once they have mastered a place or skill, it's time to expand their understanding.

6. Learn the lessons.

Most people experience unfortunate circumstances at some point. Often, this is unintentionally self-inflicted. The unlucky are those who wallow in the tragedy, unable to bounce back. Incredibly lucky people understand that even the worst luck can provide insight and life-lessons. Failure is sometimes the best luck of all, providing the greatest learning and strength-building experience. Few have achieved success without battle scars and the smart realizations that result from hard knocks.

7. Enjoy the journey.

Many people waste energy and effort stressing over what has yet to happen. Met goals and achievements have their pleasant aspects, but incredibly lucky people understand that the true rewards come from the experience along the path. They enjoy the time spent with like-minded people and the fun of the actual work. The lucky are the people who derive great joy from the simple activities of every day. To them, the great accomplishments are short-lived, pleasant plateaus before the next exciting and fulfilling adventure. May you be blessed with the luck of many incredible journeys, accompanied by many worthy people.