For some people, if they see a penny and pick it up then all day long they’ll have good luck. For others, they’ll just have a penny and then get home to find they’ve lost a fiver! Luck is a mysterious force. Some people seem to be luckier than others, some even say they are super lucky whilst others bemoan the fact that Lady Luck has long left the building. Luck is defined as “good fortune which occurs beyond one’s control, without regard to one’s will, intention, or desired result”. In comping that can be applied to having your name drawn out of the hat and being announced as the winner.
Can You Improve Your Luck?
As you’d probably expect there’s been studies on luck. In 2003, Professor Richard Wiseman of The University of Hertfordshire did a study on the subject. He even came up with some top tips on being lucky. These include “being open to new experiences”, “spending a few moments each day remembering things that went well” and “visualise yourself being lucky”. These top tips can be applied in the comping world – although in some cases it’s more about playing the percentages rather than increasing your luckability factor (we made this term up, but it sounded good).
Being Open To New Experiences!
A lot of compers stick to the same routines. Easy entry prize draws, on certain sites, for selected prizes. Remember, the easier it is to enter a competition the more likely you’re going to be up against a lot of other entries (and even automated entries). So try something different! Try different kinds of competitions and sites. If free prize draws aren’t yielding results then why not try a few creative ones? If you’re spending all your time tweeting but have no prizes for your efforts consider trying Facebook, or blogs or perhaps a few postcard comps!
Reflection!
Many compers bemoan the fact that they’ve not won in ages. Some have never won and unfortunately they’re doomed (we’re kidding), but others have been incredibly lucky and it’s amazing just how quickly people do forget their wins. So if you’re feeling down spend a few moments reflecting on what you’ve got out of comping. If you’re sat there thinking “a great holiday”, “good cash prizes”, “electricals” or even “a brand new car” then great stuff. Hopefully some of you have remember the friendships you’ve made over the years too. However, if the best you’ve had in 20 years of comping is a Cliff Richard CD then it might be time for another hobby. Or you need to start thinking lucky….
Visualise Yourself Being Lucky
This doesn’t have to be on the scale of Noel Edmunds and Cosmic Ordering theory, but a bit of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) can go a long way. How many times do you hear people saying they’re not going to try something because they won’t win? And how often do you go through your comping routine thinking “I’m fed up of this” but carry on regardless? It’s time to stop being a negative chicken and think “yes I’m going to win” every time you enter a competition. Visualise receiving a WEM or collecting the prize from the parcel depot because the delivery guy couldn’t be bothered to knock on your door. Perhaps even look at your computer for five minutes and think “win”, “win”, “win”. Actually, no don’t as that’s a bit too Yuri Geller – but you get the idea!
Take A Break!
Professor Richard Wiseman might have studied luck, but he hasn’t studied compers. Nor have we really, but we do recognise the fact that some people do get very jaded with the hobby. They plough on without enthusiasm or desire and that’s not good. So take a break! A day, a week, two weeks, a month – as long as you like. Comping is fun, Loquax is fun, but neither are the be all and end all – so if you’re not up for comping don’t do it! It’ll still be here when you get back – provided you’re back in reasonable time. If you take a 25 year break don’t expect Jason & Kirsty to still be updating Loquax.
Finally – Enjoy It!
Being lucky and winning a competition is a great feeling – but you can still enjoy comping when times are lean. Be positive and try something new – plus try and enjoy the comping community. Whether it’s on Loquax, Facebook or Twitter there’s a place to chill out and chat with like minded people. Yes you can all be miserable about not winning together encourage each other to the next win!! Good luck… and do let us know if your luck changes!