We have seen many of our colleagues being extremely superstitious, implementing tasks or things at work they think and believe to be lucky for them. Professionals are supposed to be rational. However, many of them are caught following superstitions at the workplace, time to time.
We had all heard of such news when a famous hockey player decided not to shave unless he wins the Stanley Cup. Or the baseball teams who follow a particular ritual before every match. These incidents invoke us to think about various superstitions people believe in and superstitions that people bring into their workplace.
Even large corporate offices have some interesting ways of implementing superstitions in offices like planting a little pot of money plant or adding feng shui to office interior. Have you ever thought why individuals with corporate suits and ties, feel pride in indulging superstitions?
Understanding the reason for being superstitious at work
Irrespective of the place you belong to, human beings are superstitious by nature. According to a survey, 50% of Americans are highly superstitious and believe that wearing weird things like unmatched socks can attract good luck.
We humans feel insecure in uncertainty and want to stay away from risk. Sometimes things happen as a coincidence which laters transforms into a reliance, a superstition. The fear of the unknown is the mother of superstition, which helps individuals with a false belief or confidence to do things in a better way and benefit their future.
With the increasing competition in the corporate world, it is not enough to be talented. Every other person today is highly skilled and smart. To gain that extra attention from bosses and excel in everything, professionals believe they need a little extra luck. According to corporates, superstition gives an additional amount of luck in meeting the right people and right opportunities at the right time.
Some professionals also confessed that following superstitions at work provide them extra peace of mind and comfort, on or before a big day. Whether it is a board meeting, a sales contract or the day of the promotion, superstition has become closely integrated into the lives of professionals.
Common superstitions at workplace
#1 Never says the “Q” word on a call or within a meeting, as people believe that it may echo through the room and instigate the ED to admit all the beds. With “Q” word here we mean “Quiet.”
#2 When we see Friday the 13 approaching, it immediately invokes the sense of trepidation and bad luck. Often high building does not have the floor no. 13 or hospitals who do not include room no. 13 to keep away bad luck and mishappenings.
#3 Finding a horseshoe is said to be a sign of good luck. This is the reason why many people keep a horseshoe inside their office doors. In some cultures, it is believed that if you get a horseshoe, you should pick it up with your right hand, spit on one of its ends, make a wish, throw it over the left shoulder and leave it where it falls. This way you will throw away all the bad luck you were carrying till date.
#4 Walking under a ladder is said to be a sign of bad luck. Therefore, people avoid walking under any open ladder. The shape of open ladder symbolises a triangle, also a sign of life in many cultures. Therefore, it is believed that walking under open ladder tempts the fates or risks awakening a spirit.
Surprising Benefits of superstitions
Superstitions may not directly change your lifestyle or future, but it can certainly create a positive effect on the way your think or behave. The behavioural change that you see due to superstition eventually changes the future outcome.
Trusting your luck and believing you are lucky not only keeps your mind fresh but gives you confidence and enhances your performance. According to a laboratory experiment, golfers who were told that they are using a lucky ball performed better than those who were not.
Superstitions are developments of the irrational part of our minds, which makes us feel we can depict, predict and command everything around us. With the help of superstitions, we think we can influence certain upcoming events, irrespective of whether we can or not. However, the thought of being powerful and controlling future gives us a sense of confidence and positivity. In short, superstitions provide immediate and significant psychological benefits. At work, being little superstitious can save you from feeling helpless and dull.
It could be just an illusion of control, but superstition fills the space between doubt and confidence. Superstitions are not only about keeping lucky things around you. Some people even believe that throwing certain things away also brings luck. To avoid bad luck or to relieve stress, individuals spit, knock on wood or even throw salt. Such actions develop a feeling of pushing away the fear of bad luck or mishappening.
Is it good to follow superstitions at work?
Following superstitions at work is perfectly fine, until the time your belief does not hurt your colleagues and others around you. It is essential to remember, without hard work and dedication no superstition can help you reach the top. Whenever you feel your superstitious nature is burdening your mind and affecting your productivity adversely, it is time to quit on your superstitions. Also, if you see people around you are not comfortable with whatever you are doing, you should immediately distance yourself from such activities.
What if your beliefs are harmful to others? How would you get to know your belief is incorrect? Till the time your superstitions keep you optimistic, and it does not hurt the feelings of others, there is no harm in pursuing what you believe in. If you are working under an extremely rational boss or manager, make sure you keep your superstitions hidden. Else, your beliefs may start working against you.
There is nothing good or bad with superstitions- it is all about what you believe and how it works in favour of your success. Although over believing in superstitions is not advised, a little belief is harmless and productive. If you feel confident and energetic, without harming others, do not quit your superstition.
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