Sat, May 29, 2010 - 9:24:11

A Little Superstition Can Bring You Luck

A few days ago, we received a wonderful email from one of our readers passing along a bit of information from a Wall Street Journal article called, “The Power of Lucky Charms.” Contrary to what you might think, the article wasn’t about the morning sugar rush you get from the breakfast cereal of the same name.  Instead it explained that scientists have discovered that the simple act of believing something will give you luck means it will.  In other words, with one simple mind trick, you can actually make yourself do better.

As Carl Bialik reports, a study being released out of Cologne in June found that the mere suggestion to golfers that they were playing with a “lucky” ball enhanced their performance by 35%.  And that’s a powerful idea that you can use to your advantage off the golf course as well.  In fact, by tricking your brain that a lucky shirt, tie, or pair of shoes will boost your fortunes, you can actually make yourself “luckier.”

Of course, the reality is that you’re not casting a magic spell that will secure your success. But, by giving yourself that little positive affirmation, you can increase your confidence—and that can have a dramatic effect on your productivity and achievement. In fact, Harvard Business School professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter writes in her book, Confidence: How Winning Streaks & Losing Streaks Begin & End, that confidence is a “fundamental attribute to success and can be enhanced through routines that activate talent.” And in this instance, that routine could be a lucky charm.

While trusting in a talisman to bring you good fortune throughout your life certainly should not be the main ingredient in your recipe for success, the soon-to-be-published study reveals once again the amazing role SMALL can play in shaping your life.  No, that lucky pen you’ve had since college probably isn’t imbued with magical powers, but if it makes you feel stronger and more prepared to carry it with you, why not bring it to your next important meeting?  If nothing else, it will give you an added bit of assurance, to help you really shine. 

Posted by Linda and Robin