I recently read two studies about why some people appear to be more lucky than others (psychologists will study anything). The results of both studies indicated that some people experience more good fortune than others because of their ability to see possibility in situations that others do not. Their luck is really a result of not concentrating so much on specific items or a narrow scope, but on seeing things that aren’t readily apparent.

It’s not that some are smarter than others, because it has nothing to do with intelligence (remember, you aren’t the scarecrow). It’s really a matter of your left or right brain dominance. Left brain dominance will make you naturally astute to details, accuracy and conformity to a standard. Right brain dominance will draw you to the big picture and to possibilities that may be obscure or considered far-fetched.

While as a professional, you have to operate in both domains effectively, you should concentrate your work that engages your natural dominance most of the time. Then rely on others to fill in with their natural abilities. You will be happier, more effective and provide more value to others.

For the times when you must engage your sub-dominant brain, you need to apply more concentrated effort in order to override the normal brain circuitry of your dominant brain. Go the extra mile to prepare yourself and your setting. Then conscientiously think of which brain you need for the task you want to perform.

Take your time, resisting the temptation to revert back to your dominant side. If your task is on the details and accuracy, resist glossing over the document. If your task is on the big picture, resist drilling down into the details.

This has direct implications for you. For instance, while you should be committed to and engaged in providing excellent service to clients, you also must look for additional opportunities to serve them.

Or, while you should be able to conduct a technical review of the work, ensuring that the report is accurate and in compliance with existing law and code, you also must be able to conduct a cold review, meaning you can step back from the details of the document and glean the overall story being told.

In the end, I don’t know if you will be luckier, but you’ll be happier doing what you do best more of the time.