Are successful people just lucky?

You hear it always: That person was ‘lucky’ in business. Or those people are ‘more fortunate’ than others.

But what role does ‘luck’ really play in success? Psychologists at Stanford University say certain attitudes seem to lead to ‘good luck’ and success in life.

• An open mind. Think of life as a garden of possibilities. Be curious.
• Persistence. Everyone has ups and downs in work and life. You will do well if you persistently follow your goal and deal with disappointment.
• Flexibility. Though you have a specific goal, be open to variations and new ideas.
• Positive thinking. Look at a painful experience and, instead of focusing on what you lost, calculate what you gained.
• Risk-taking, whether it’s in your personal life or at work. It will make you more resilient.

Meanwhile, certain values also play a role in a person’s ‘luck.’

A recent survey by Robert Half staffing shows that honesty may be the most valuable asset in creating opportunity.

Employers told interviewers that honesty was the top requirement for new hires. The same is true for those seeking a better job within an organization. Of the employers interviewed, 58 percent said honesty and integrity are the qualities that impress them most, aside from ability and willingness to do the job. That is an increase of 26 percent compared to five years ago.