Some people seem to be luckier than others. They’ll constantly find the best clothes, get pay raises or stumble upon lost change.
Some TikTok content creators have a name for this: Lucky Girl Syndrome. They believe anyone can become lucky and achieve their dreams with the right mindset.
What is Lucky Girl Syndrome?
Lucky girl syndrome isn’t really a syndrome at all. Rather, it’s a mindset that focuses on luck. The idea is that by assuming you’re lucky, you will actively improve your luck.
Laura Galabe popularised the movement in 2022 when she shared a TikTok about her experience with being lucky. She describes how her genuine belief that she is “the luckiest person she knows” has led to her experiencing extraordinary things.
This isn’t a new concept — it’s just a rebranding of tried-and-true methods for boosting self-confidence and attracting positive results. Similar concepts like the law of attraction, manifestation and positive thinking all promote thinking good thoughts to reach goals and become happier.
Other ideas are trending along with Lucky Girl Syndrome, like the phrase “delulu is the solulu”. This is Gen Z’s mantra for manifesting what you want by essentially being delusional.
Is Lucky Girl Syndrome real?
While no scientific study provides concrete proof for Lucky Girl Syndrome, thousands of people on social media say it has worked for them. Some evidence exists to support their experience, even if it doesn’t have much to do with luck.
Studies show that the simple act of smiling can boost your mood, and being positive can make you healthier and happier. The placebo effect — a phenomenon where people convince themselves that a fake treatment actually works — shows that thoughts are a powerful tool for changing your life.
Additionally, part of Lucky Girl Syndrome includes paying attention to the good things that happen in your daily life. This is an example of confirmation bias, a human tendency to look for information and evidence that confirms one’s own beliefs. If you actively believe you are lucky, you’ll start looking for positive things that happen to you, making you think you’re truly fortunate.
As with all things on the internet, it’s best to take advice from TikTok with a grain of salt. If anything, the Lucky Girl Syndrome mindset could help you manage negative thoughts and pay more attention to your goals and desires.
Lucky Girl Syndrome vs toxic positivity
Criticism of the Lucky Girl Syndrome often compares the concept to toxic positivity, which is the belief that people should stay positive through even the worst experiences. It’s an extreme form of optimism that attempts to discourage or diminish negative feelings and experiences to make them better. However, this usually has the opposite effect.
Lucky Girl Syndrome can appear similar to toxic positivity because it encourages a constant positive mindset. However, it’s important to remember that it is just a belief system.
Your thoughts can’t stop bad things from happening to you, and having negative feelings is part of being human. Lucky Girl Syndrome is about using your mindset to think good things about yourself and hopefully achieve your dreams in the process.
How to catch Lucky Girl Syndrome
If Lucky Girl Syndrome intrigues you, try these tactics to improve your self-image and ultimately become more confident. You never know what opportunities may come your way.
1. Find a mantra
In the world of positive affirmations, a mantra is a word or phrase you repeat to shift your mindset. For example, Galabe’s mantras are “I am so lucky” and “I always expect great things to happen to me, so they do”. However, you can create unique mantras to align with your goals and beliefs.
Some examples of mantras you can say to manifest luck are:
- This universe is rigged in my favour.
- I can achieve anything.
- Everything always works out for me.
- Opportunities are abundant, and I am worthy of them.
2. Look after your mental health
It’s hard to think positive things if you live with a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression. These conditions can warp your opinion of life and yourself, but options are available to help.
These days, nearly 87 per cent of American adults believe mental health disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. Thanks to this changing mindset, even more options are available for mental health care. Find what works for you and stay consistent to see results.
3. Pay attention to the good
Some people may find it hard to believe something about themselves without proof. If you’re one of them, try to pay attention when good things happen to you.
You can even keep a journal and write them down to create a list to refer to. Having evidence that you’re lucky can help you truly believe it.
4. Create a vision board
What does luck look like to you? Understanding what areas of your life could use more luck and what that looks like can help you catch Lucky Girl Syndrome.
A clear picture of your goals and dreams makes it easier to believe they can happen. Try to picture yourself as a super fortunate person. If you’re having difficulty visualising it, create a vision board full of inspirational pictures to help you.
5. Meditate in the morning
Daily meditation is a wonderful way to cope with stress and start your day with a sense of calm. It can also aid you in your journey to becoming more lucky.
Shortly after waking up, sit in a quiet environment and practise slow breathing. Spend this time saying your mantras and convincing yourself that you’ll be lucky that day.
Use Lucky Girl Syndrome to your advantage
The main idea of Lucky Girl Syndrome is not to avoid negative thoughts and experiences but to believe you are worthy of great things. It’s a tool you can use to boost self-esteem and attract the things you want in life.
There’s no harm in trying it, and you can stop whenever you feel it doesn’t serve you. However, it can make a positive difference in your outlook.
