Many people believe luck is purely a matter of chance, but psychological research suggests there may be more to it. Studies by psychologists such as Ellen Langer and Richard Wiseman show that people who seem lucky are often more attentive to opportunities, open to new experiences and better at recovering from setbacks. While the illusion of control can sometimes lead people to overestimate their influence over events, being mindful and noticing possibilities that others overlook may increase the chances of positive outcomes.