Is the universe out to get you?

You dropped your phone in the pool, and blew a tire, then missed your plane connection and all in one week.

Is the universe out to get you? No.

Inconvenient, unpleasant, annoying things simply happen. It’s not your fault your flight was late, and you missed the connection. That’s just life.

You should have had that tire changed a month ago, and you knew it, so this was just tempting fate.

About that phone: Swimming and cellphones don’t go together. You knew that.
Even though bad things can seem to happen in a cluster, there usually isn’t any unifying theme. According to Jane L. Risen, associate professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago, most misfortunes are random, and there is always some chance that bad things are going to pile up.

Nonetheless, sooner or later events will certainly stack up. What you don’t want to do is make things worse.

Meet your commitments in spite of inconveniences, even bad ones. You might have to work harder for it this time, but take the steps necessary to be there.

Think of things you can do at the moment to put yourself in a calm mood and back in control. Luggage didn’t arrive? Head to a store, buy a new suit and freshen up as soon as you can. That’s one thing in your control. Chances are the luggage will be at your hotel within the day. Until then, you’ll feel more prepared.

Try turning your thoughts in a positive direction. A string of bad stuff does not mean you are permanently jinxed. It might just mean things happen. Think of how great this story is going to be over a beer with friends.

If you can change your plans, do it. Take the necessary steps to fix the problems of the day, but maybe you walk the dog this afternoon instead of spending an hour on research. It might be worth it.