As someone who has spent years studying the intersection of performance psychology and competitive success, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of “luck” and whether we can actually influence it. It’s funny how often we attribute success to chance, but when you look closely—whether in sports, business, or everyday life—you start noticing patterns. That’s exactly what struck me while watching the recent FIVB match where Alas Pilipinas, the host team, pulled off a stunning 3–1 victory against Egypt. On the surface, some might call it luck, but I saw something far more deliberate at play. The way the Philippine team moved, communicated, and seized opportunities felt like a masterclass in creating your own fortune. So today, I want to share seven proven ways you can boost your daily luck, inspired by what I observed in that game. Let’s dive in.

First, let’s talk about preparation. Luck, as the old saying goes, is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. In that match, Alas Pilipinas didn’t just show up and hope for the best. They had a game plan, and they executed it with precision. I remember one particular set where the score was tied at 24–24, and instead of panicking, the Philippine setter delivered a flawless ball to their opposite hitter, who smashed it straight through Egypt’s block. That moment wasn’t accidental—it was the result of countless hours of drills and situational practice. In your own life, whether you’re preparing for a job interview or a difficult conversation, putting in the work beforehand dramatically increases the odds that things will go your way. I’ve found that when I review my notes or rehearse my talking points, I’m not just building confidence; I’m setting the stage for “lucky” breaks to happen.

Another key factor is mindset. The Alas Pilipinas players carried themselves with a kind of buoyant optimism, even after losing the first set 25–27. Instead of getting discouraged, they regrouped, adjusted their strategy, and won the next three sets convincingly. Psychologists call this a “growth mindset,” and I’m a firm believer that it’s one of the most powerful luck-boosters out there. When you approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear, you’re more likely to spot hidden opportunities. Personally, I’ve adopted a simple habit: every morning, I take two minutes to visualize a positive outcome for my day. It sounds small, but it shifts my focus from what could go wrong to what could go right, and more often than not, things just… do.

Then there’s the element of adaptability. During the match, Egypt’s blockers were initially dominant, tallying 9 stuff blocks in the first two sets alone. But Alas Pilipinas didn’t stubbornly stick to their initial attacks. They mixed up their plays, used tips and roll shots, and exploited gaps in the defense. By the end, Egypt’s block effectiveness had dropped to just 12% in the final set. That flexibility is something I’ve tried to apply off the court too. Life throws curveballs—a last-minute change in plans, an unexpected setback—and being able to pivot quickly has saved me more times than I can count. It’s not about having a rigid plan; it’s about having a toolkit of responses.

Networking and collaboration also play a huge role in attracting good fortune. Volleyball is the ultimate team sport, and Alas Pilipinas showcased incredible synergy. Their libero, for instance, made 22 successful digs, many of which set up counterattacks that turned the tide. Similarly, in my career, some of my biggest “lucky” breaks came from connections I’d nurtured over years. I once landed a book deal because a colleague I’d helped years earlier recommended me to a publisher. It felt like a stroke of luck, but really, it was the outcome of consistent, genuine relationship-building.

Let’s not overlook the importance of seizing the moment. In the third set, with the score at 22–21, the Philippine team’s captain noticed Egypt’s setter was favoring the left side. She called an audibleshift, and the resulting quick attack caught Egypt completely off guard. That kind of situational awareness is golden. I’ve noticed that luck often favors those who act decisively when the window of opportunity opens. Procrastination, on the other hand, tends to shut that window firmly. Whether it’s sending that email you’ve been hesitating over or taking on a side project, timing can make all the difference.

Another aspect that’s often underestimated is physical and mental energy management. The Alas Pilipinas players maintained high intensity throughout the match, with their outside hitter scoring 18 points, 14 of which came in the latter half. They didn’t burn out early because they paced themselves. In daily life, I’ve found that managing my energy—through adequate sleep, short breaks, and even mindfulness exercises—helps me stay sharp and receptive to lucky chances. On days when I’m exhausted, I tend to miss details or avoid risks, which means opportunities slip by unnoticed.

Finally, there’s gratitude. After the match, the Philippine team didn’t just celebrate; they acknowledged the crowd, the officials, and even their opponents. That attitude of appreciation creates a positive feedback loop. Studies show that grateful people report higher levels of luck, probably because they’re more attuned to the good things happening around them. I’ve made it a point to jot down three things I’m thankful for each evening, and over time, it’s made me more alert to serendipitous moments.

So, what’s the takeaway? Luck isn’t some mystical force that randomly blesses a chosen few. It’s a byproduct of preparation, mindset, adaptability, collaboration, seizing opportunities, energy management, and gratitude. Watching Alas Pilipinas turn a challenging match into a 3–1 victory was a reminder that we all have the power to unlock our own “facai”—our own lucky fortunes. Start small, apply these principles consistently, and you might just find that luck starts following you everywhere.