Why do some people seem to have all the luck? They’re always in the right place at the right time. Their businesses prosper. They get one fantastic promotion after another. In short: they enjoy phenomenal success. What explains it? Are they doing something special, or is good fortune selecting them by chance?

For a moment, let’s put aside winning the lottery—which seems to be a random type of luck—and instead focus on those who consistently achieve extraordinary results in their lives. Often, we attribute their accomplishments to random luck. However, after studying the lives of these people, I’ve discovered that there’s more to it than that. Indeed, these people seem to benefit from something I’ll call "created luck."

People who create their own luck have certain traits in common. Here, then, are the secrets for deliberately bringing luck into your life…

1. Be Proactive. Show me a consistently lucky person and I’ll show you someone who doesn’t sit back waiting for good fortune to pay a visit. Indeed, lucky people put themselves in a position to win by continually taking action in pursuit of their goals.

2. Have a Dynamic, Positive Attitude. It has been proven that we attract what we think about most. People who get the breaks believe in themselves and in their abilities. They picture themselves reaching their goals and are secure in the knowledge that they’ll master any and all challenges that come their way. To become a magnet for exceptional achievements, therefore, maintain a confident outlook and concentrate on success!

3. Possess a Burning Desire. Aside from being positive, lucky people are passionate about achieving their goals. They’re always on the lookout to seize an opportunity, and you can bet they’ll bring enthusiasm and energy to the quest.

4. Be Prepared. Earl Nightingale said it superbly: if you are not prepared for your opportunity when it comes, the opportunity will only make you look silly. Lucky people are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to perform at their maximum. They are learners and hard workers. Whatever activity they are engaged in, you’ll find them reading, practicing and picking the brains of successful people in that field. And they realize that the preparation must be done before the fantastic opportunity presents itself.

Pro football quarterback Jeff Hostetler, formerly with the NY Giants, sat on the bench for seven years as a back-up, seldom playing at all. But when starting quarterback Phil Simms was injured late in the 1990 season, Hostetler stepped in and led the team to a string of victories, including a triumph in the Super Bowl! Hostetler didn’t know in advance when his time would come, but he kept himself mentally and physically fit and was therefore able to take full advantage of his big chance.

5. Display Incredible Persistence and a Long-Term Perspective. Most people want a lucky break and they want it NOW! If only success were that easy! Examine the lives of highly accomplished people and you’ll find that virtually each one overcame years of frustration and setbacks. In any profession, the few who refuse to quit when success is nowhere on the horizon are the ones who eventually achieve the "impossible."

6. Pay Your Dues. Lucky individuals are willing to start small and work their way up. For instance, in high school and in college, Michael Jordan wasn’t the world’s best basketball player. Likewise, Oprah Winfrey didn’t begin her career as host of her own national television show. They developed their skills over time and earned the right to capitalize on their opportunities.

7. Create Crystal Clear Objectives. Clarity is power. Lucky people know what they want to accomplish and can visualize the end result in vivid detail. They are motivated by an exciting picture that they seek to bring to reality. You just don’t get very far with a vague notion that you want to be "happy" or "successful."

8. Demonstrate Flexibility. Let’s face it, no matter how well prepared you are, you can never anticipate all the setbacks and detours you’ll encounter. Lucky people monitor their progress and make adjustments when appropriate. When a particular strategy isn’t working, they don’t complain or curse their bad luck; they just make a change. In addition, they are extremely open—and able to take advantage of—new opportunities that may arise as they pursue their original goal.

9. Be a Risk-Taker. This isn’t about foolish, unprepared gambles. However, phenomenal, groundbreaking success is usually reserved for those who will venture into unknown territory.

In the end, successful people make their own luck. George Bernard Shaw may have said it best: "The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and, if they can’t find them, make them."

I used to think that I knew what commitment and persistence meant. Trying hard. Making a lot of attempts. However, I didn't grasp the true meaning of these concepts until I read a small book entitled, The Ultimate Secret To Getting Absolutely Everything You Want, by Mike Hernacki.

Commitment is the essence of The Ultimate Secret. According to the author, the key to getting what you want is the "willingness to do whatever it takes" to accomplish your objective. Now, before your mind jumps to conclusions, let me add that in saying "whatever it takes", I exclude all actions which are illegal, unethical or that harm other people.

So, exactly what do I mean by this "willingness?" It's a mental attitude that says: if the process to reach my goal takes 5 steps, I'll do those 5 steps; if it requires 105 steps, I'll do those 105 steps; if it requires 1,005 steps, I'll do those 1,005 steps.

Of course, at the outset of any endeavor, you won't know exactly how many steps will be required to reach your goal. This doesn't matter. To succeed, all that's necessary is that you make a commitment to do whatever it takes-- regardless of the number of steps involved.

When you make a commitment and are willing to do whatever it takes, you begin to attract the people and circumstances necessary to accomplish your goal. Sure, you'll face disappointments and setbacks along the way to your destination. But, when you've made a commitment, you can overcome temporary defeats....and triumph!

So, go ahead. Select a goal that you have a burning desire to achieve. Make a commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. Then follow through with persistent action and get ready to succeed!

 * Jeffrey Keller owns a company called Attitude is Everything, Inc. in E. Norwich, NY. Keller works with organizations that want to develop achievers and with sales managers who want their people to be more positive. His phone is 1-800-790-5333. This piece is used with his permission.