Highly successful people do 5 things to get luckier in life, says Stanford leadership expert: 'Good luck isn't random or rare'

For 27 years, I've run programs at Stanford University focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. One of the most valuable lessons I teach my students is how to create opportunities for good luck. Contrary to popular belief, good luck isn't random or rare. I like to compare luck to the wind: You can't see it, but it's powerful and everywhere. If you know how to sail, you can harness it and make it work for you. Here are five ways to catch the winds of luck every day. 1. The luckiest people have strong core values To define your core values, pay attention to what is important to you, and where you won't compromise. When you have strong core values, you can better recognize whether a opportunity aligns with who you want to be or if it is a dangerous distraction. For example, if someone asks you to fudge the numbers in an expense report or exaggerate what your product can do, it's much easier to say "no" when you have a clear sense of honesty and integrity. When people see your values in action, it builds trust. This can lead to bigger opportunities down the road because likeminded individuals will see you as someone who can follow through. 2. The luckiest people take ownership of their stories Many people have a fixed perception about what is possible for them. …