Superstitions are beliefs and practices followed that are thought to bring us good luck, prevent bad luck, or influence outcomes. It could also ward off jealousy or negativity. FastCompany.com conducted a survey that brought to my attention the prevalence of work superstitions in the workplace, and I thought it would be worth sharing with you. This post shares some examples and the results of this survey, along with my two cents.
Topics
Many people hold work superstitions, and while these beliefs often lack logic and a scientific basis, they may help the business owner feel more confident in their daily activities, especially when starting a new business or venture. Below are some work superstition examples you may or may not be familiar with.
Lucky Charms
These lucky charm items can be anything that may be taken from one job to another, an object that you have had since you were a child, or have acquired over the years.
- Special pen
- Hanging an Evil Eye pendant
- Favorite Chair (affiliate)
- Special figurine
- Stone or crystal
Clothing
The actions below could help keep you focused and positive.
- Wearing a particular color of clothing
- Having a favorite pair of shoes
- a lucky shirt for presentations
- Avoid wearing a specific color when dealing with financial situations
- Athletes wearing items of clothing or equipment
Desk arrangement
These could help maintain a good energy vibe.
- Desk (affiliate) arrangement to attract positive energy, like Feng Shui, for example.
- Place the desk (affiliate) away from doorways.
- Having your back away from the door of the room.
- Placing bamboo plants or money trees on your desk (affiliate) for good luck.
Avoiding bad owens
These items are intended to help prevent bad things from happening by avoiding specific actions that may bring them harm.
- Don’t open umbrellas indoors.
- Walking under a ladder
- When a black cat crosses your path.
- Wearing charms to protect yourself from others’ jealousy
- Hanging chimes on the door.
- Throwing salt over the shoulder
- Never wishing a performer “good luck”, instead saying “break a leg”.
- Placing a horseshoe at the entryway for good luck.
A Specific Ritual when Good News Happens
These could be rituals that you do to keep the good news happening.
- It could be having a team cheer after a goal is achieved
- Having a pizza party after the work goal was completed successfully.
Survey Results
Many people incorporate these superstitions into their daily lives, including in their offices. The survey indicated the frequency of these actions.
- Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported performing superstitions on a daily basis.
- Twenty-six percent of respondents reported performing a superstition once every few weeks.
- 16% said they performed superstition once every week.
- 11% said they performed superstition once every month or two.
- 5% said they performed superstition once an hour.
- 3% said they performed superstition once every year.
- 2% of those surveyed said they performed superstition once every 15 minutes or so.
Those surveyed also said:
- 47% performed superstitions for fun.
- 21% did it before they went to bed.
- 5% did it to help them feel safe.
My thoughts
If these work superstitions help you have a sense of control, reduce anxiety, or foster team bonding through shared rituals, and you are more hopeful for the outcome, it’s okay to have superstitions. There are some of these work superstitions I also do throughout my day to calm myself down and remind myself that there is a higher purpose and direction in my life.
However, suppose these work superstitions prevent you from doing something or taking a risk that will improve your business. In that case, you should evaluate them to see if it is in your best interest to continue doing these superstitions.
Let’s discuss.
Are you superstitious? What type of work superstition do you do throughout your workday? Does it help you feel better about the situation at hand? Does it help you stay focused? Please let me know what works for you and what you’ve decided to stop doing because it didn’t help. I would love to hear from you.
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