In case you missed it, this is our conversation with former SoftBank CFO and President Alok Sama.
Desperation is the state of mind when you are ready to accept any opportunity that comes your way. In such times, you may feel that your world is shrinking and threatening to gulp you in. You feel unlucky, singled out, and scroll social media only to find the latest prodigy who raised $100 Million for a startup you have been thinking about for years.
Such is the nature of the mind games we stumble upon when things go awry. The downside is that the more we believe this internal narrative, the worse we tend to perform.
Scores of academic studies have demonstrated that those who think they are “lucky” tend to get better results. This phenomenon is rooted in psychological traits and behaviors that support success. One of the most significant factors is the power of a positive mindset. People who consider themselves lucky often maintain optimism in their daily lives. This optimism boosts their motivation, making them more likely to persist through challenges and setbacks. When faced with adversity, they tend to view it as a temporary obstacle rather than a permanent failure, which helps them recover more quickly and learn from their experiences.