What is Luck?

How do you define luck?  Is it winning the lottery after buying only one ticket?  Is it narrowly missing something dangerous?  What can you do to be more lucky?

Luck is defined as “success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions” or “a force that brings good fortune or adversity” (Merriam Webster).

Around the world and throughout most cultures, luck comes in many forms.  We see it in various symbols across countries, like the four-leaf clover in Ireland represents a good luck charm, or in China the Mystic Knot with its six infinity knots to represent never-ending luck.

lucky-clover

Similarly, there are lucky actions or superstitions, most of which have long histories which people don’t even know.  For example, crossing your fingers to bring luck dates back to early Christianity, where people crossed their fingers to have the protection of the cross.  We also see the action of knocking on wood to protect us from bad luck, which was once done to chase away evil spirits.  Also, in Spain at midnight on New Year’s Eve they eat 12 grapes to symbolize good luck for each of the coming 12 months.

Furthermore, there are lucky phrases across the world that people say to one another to bring good luck.  People say “Buena Suerte” in Spanish, “Bonne Chance” in French, “Buona Fortuna” in Italian, or “Kila la kheri” in Swahili.

There are also lucky numbers, either specific to an entire culture or to a person.  People have a lucky number that means something to them based on a significant event, or maybe something good happened to them regarding that number and now that number represents good luck.  Cultures also have lucky numbers.  In China, for example, the number 8 is lucky and has meanings of prosperity, success and status, so people frequently use the number 8 when they can.  In Judaism, the number 18 is lucky because it means “life”, so people often wear a necklace with this word and number.

So, whether you have a lucky number or phrase, don’t worry because luck is on your side! And today might just be your lucky day! 

Why Starbucks is the #1 Coffee Brand

For most people, coffee is an essential item of their morning, and sometimes, their entire day.  People routinely stop by their favorite nearby coffee shop for their usual morning coffee, and perhaps a sandwich or a bagel.  And there are so many coffee shops to choose from…  Yet, one particular coffee shop brand has become the go-to option for millions of people around the globe.  And that brand is no other than Starbucks.  But what made Starbucks so popular to become the global brand that it is today?

Well, usually when people order their coffee, they’re not just ordering a cup of coffee.  It’s the experience; the ambiance of the store; the consistent product quality; and the customer service, which in many cases is an essential element of choosing a coffee shop over others.  Being greeted by a friendly, smiling face can unquestionably make someone’s day.

Starbucks has always focused on their stores’ atmosphere, knowing that customers come to relax, meet up with friends, or look for a place to work or study.  They were one of the first coffee shops to provide free WiFi, and plenty of outlets for customers to charge their electronic devices.  Its calming atmosphere, its selection of soothing contemporary music, its quality of products, its flexibility to adhere to customers’ needs, and its friendly staff, are all the right ingredients that make Starbucks’ recipe so successful.

man reading with starbucks coffee

Starbucks is also famous for their delicious hot and cold drinks for both kids and adults. Their seasonal items get people waiting all year to have them again.  For example, the “Pumpkin Spice Latte” is one of customers’ favorite coffee drinks, one they eagerly wait to drink during the fall season.  The company always creates new flavors to its menu, keeping it fresh and allowing people to discover their favorite drink every season. 

Another fact that distinguishes Starbucks is its delicious pastries, breakfast sandwiches and to-go items.  Customers who have a sweet-tooth craving can satisfy their appetite with a warm double chocolate brownie, or a blueberry muffin, or an amazing Madeline cookies! The variety of pastry and breakfast items is not great, but it covers most people’s needs.

Keeping their recipe of success consistent throughout the entire world, is perhaps the secret of why Starbucks  is undoubtedly the most well-know coffee brand in the world, and why it continues to grow.  If you are one of the millions of happy customers, or a Starbucks aficionado, you can try a variety of different drinks from Starbucks with this limited free samples offer.

starbucks coffee

Train Harder with Nike

Adrenaline rushes through your veins, your heart beat thunders across your body, and your eyes are trained and focused ahead.  You cross that finish line and erupt in excitement, it feels so good to finish that race.

Training for a race, a competition or your favorite sport requires intensity, focus, determination and strength.  You put in hours of hard work and practice, visualizing crossing that finish line and winning that medal or game.  You train harder than you’ve ever trained before, pushing yourself to new limits, finding strength in yourself that you didn’t even know you had.

But you’ll need the right tools to help you reach your goal: the right training gear, clothes, shoes and equipment.  That’s where Nike comes in.

exercising

Nike will get you the perfect gear to help you reach and excel through your goals.  The right shoes that will make you faster, with lighter material for more speed to win the race.  Try the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit shoe for a lightweight feel with support, flexibility and comfort to increase your speed and stability.

You’ll need the best clothes to fit your body perfectly for comfort through your competition and every sport.  Nike’s flexible and breathable shirts, training and compression shorts will give you more smooth movements while keeping you cool and comfortable for an unparalleled work out.

You’ll also need the best training gear and equipment to make you stronger and tougher like training belts, mats, race vests, speed ladders, foam rollers, gloves, and the Apple Nike running watch to track your performance.

Training to be a champion will require patience, fuel and energy.  You put in time and effort to practice harder and push yourself further.  Your sleep is essential, the right food to fuel your body is necessary, and the right gear to help you be your best is important.

Shop Nike today and start training to be stronger than ever.  Visualize that finish line and medal, and with the right gear, you can be better than your best.

train with nike