How to Use the Power of Superstition
Yes, more money, more love, more shiny things. Revelation through psychology.
I am an agnostic; therefore, I acknowledge various beliefs that now exist. I prefer options that can give me a positive result — money, love, health, joy. I would pray in a temple, sing mantras at a yoga retreat, chant Om, dance around a campfire, and do whatever else necessary as long as it aligns with my values.
If there is a possibility that it works, here I am in a first row.
Growing in a developing country was quite challenging. People around me actively used superstition as a resource to either gain something valuable or scare themselves. The latter worked much better, to be honest.
Superstition is the belief in supernatural force; the desire to influence unpredictable factors.
So, I have joined the flow and became quite superstitious. One episode I remember particularly well — it was high school, and we were not supposed to wash our hair before tests or assignments. Yep, poor teacher, a class of 30 not bathed teens. But nevertheless it worked. On a day of the exam, we felt more confident; we were getting the test questions we wanted, or a preferred topic, or a higher grade then we expected.
Grown-ups were setting up an example. They had their lucky colours, lucky days, lucky socks, lucky pieces of cake (just kidding, but only about the cake).
Fair enough. If there is a chance that it would help, why not use it?
But one day, my belief staggered. I decided to be a badass and started washing my hair before all exams! Then I lost it and started doing only the opposite of what could bring me any kind of luck.
I didn’t stop there. Teenage rebel, remember? I decided to challenge supernatural. Every day on my way to school, I have been walking intentionally under the ladder for at least a year. In the area where I lived at that time, it meant I would never ever get married. That’s exactly what my rebellious young soul desired: no marriage, no housework, no responsibility, complete freedom.
Fast-forward to now, happily married for more then 10 years.
Does it mean that superstition does not work?
Psychology has the answer, as always. Let’s see how it works and how can we use it for our benefit at work or in everyday life. Yes, more money, more love, more luck, and more other shiny things.
How it works from a psychological perspective
Let’s do some revelation here.
Even though we understand that these things are irrational, we still tend to believe in them. And why almost anyone can confirm that all these black cats, specific numbers, red wallets, good luck charms, actually work?
From a psychological perspective, superstition serves us really well. It is a good old coping mechanism. It helps us eliminate anxiety and feel ourselves more in control of what is going on around us. We do not know the future, and therefore life keeps us in a state of uncertainty and discomfort. Consequently, our intelligent brain provides us with a tool to keeps ourselves calm and content at least to the point of decent functioning.
Experiments proved that superstition makes us, to some extent, more confident, focused, relaxed, and positive. It is, in a way, a door to subconsciousness.
The simple reinforcement process of superstition:
- we focus on something important,
- we anchor it with a specific object or process,
- we choose to give it power,
- we put it on repeat, bringing it up every time we see it,
- we subconsciously select facts to prove it right.
Be careful
Unfortunately, superstition affects our choices and outcomes which could become quite dangerous in certain situations.
People may choose to believe in the curse, unlucky numbers, dark rituals, that make superstition indeed harmful. It happens due to the habitual nature of superstition — if a person fails to perform what’s necessary for a chosen ritual, anxiety and stress escalate.
For instance, imagine a player who had lost his lucky socks before a game, or a businessman who forgot his lucky watch at home before an important meeting; if they focus on a disturbed ritual they would be more prone to failure.
So, it influences negatively on both Mental and Physical Health due to:
- lack of responsibility,
- enhanced fears and phobias,
- a habit of helplessness,
- guilt and despair if the ritual associated with a superstition can not be performed correctly,
- inability to make a rational decision.
How to use the power of superstition
The main thing you have to accept that you are the one who is creating your reality and you are responsible for what you choose.
You are the one who is creating a superstition, a ritual, or a habit.
Superstition is just the way you focus on things, and since our brain is very powerful, it makes you think that there is a coincidence (or luck, or magic, or supernatural powers). When there is absolutely no such thing.
So, now when you know how it works, it is safe to create your own healthy superstitions. This is a very effective tool that you can use in your everyday life.
Start with something small. Tell yourself:
“When I see blue, I become confident”.
“When I see a red bus, I feel strong and successful”.
“When I smell coffee while walking along the street, I know that the day will be amazing”.
Reprogram old ones into something good, for instance:
“When I see a black cat, it means luck”.
“When I walk under the stairs, by accident (of course, as it might be dangerous), my life is great”.
Then proceed to something more complex; your brain will double the effort:
- Draw a picture that symbolises love, wealth, prosperity and put it on a wall. Tell yourself — “Every time I see the drawing, I become more loved, successful and healthy”.
- Get a crystal or any other object that you like, put it on your work desk and tell yourself — “When I see the object, I achieve all my work goals”. It can help you concentrate better on work, be more relaxed and determined.
Worksheet to sustain a change
As usual, I have prepared a worksheet for you to sustain a change. If you work with your superstitions, you might find real gold. Literally.
Next time you come across superstition, enjoy the change.
Conclusion
So, create your reality, focusing on good things. Your brain will accept the change pretty quickly and, therefore, you can create your luck, health and wealth mindfully. Also, please remember, you can and should change any superstition you do not like any time you want. Just set up your focus and put a phrase you choose on repeat.
If you need additional motivation to move on to the desired goal, please check out my article about procrastination:
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