Superstition vs. Routine

I was reminded the other day of a Junior County Swimming Team I had been working with on their mindset when getting ready to race.? The thing at that level is they all have to come out, sit in the stands and then as each race starts everyone moves down a row ready for their race.? This means there are the ups and downs of how their team is doing, trying to stay warm and ready to race and a lot of time to think.

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One of the swimmers was sitting there playing with her earring (just studs) and it came out and she couldn’t find it – this caused her to start panicking as they were her ‘lucky’ earrings.? Now the effects panic has on the body are not positive ones (I did start to go down that rabbit hole but have decided to leave it to next weeks article) and there is a big difference between being superstitious and having a routine that gets you into the right mindset – whether in sport or the board room.

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So what are those differences and how can we use them?

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Superstitions give us an ‘Illusion of Control’

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Those seemingly innocuous habits or rituals that we believe bring us luck. They range from wearing a specific tie for important meetings to athletes donning their “lucky socks” before a big game. While these practices can provide a sense of comfort and confidence, they can also become crutches that undermine true self-reliance.

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What if you believed that wearing a particular watch was essential for you closing sales (maybe you first wore it at your first big sale). This reliance on an external object for success can create a mental block. What happens if the watch is misplaced or forgotten? Your confidence might waver, leading to decreased performance.

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Routine gives us the ‘Power of Consistency’

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On the other hand, routines are deliberate practices designed to prepare and prime us for high performance. Unlike superstitions, routines are grounded in practical benefits and can be executed anywhere, relying solely on your discipline.

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For example, you might start your day with a consistent morning routine that includes exercise, a healthy breakfast, and time for strategic planning (Mine currently involves a very wet dog walk, apparently our 3 days of sunshine in Cornwall was the summer!). This routine helps clear the mind, boosts physical energy, and sets a positive tone for the day. Similarly, a professional athlete might engage in a series of warm-up exercises that are scientifically proven to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

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When superstition hinders us

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The problem with superstition is its potential to create dependency. If you feel you can’t function without your lucky pen, your focus shifts from your capabilities to the pen's presence. This mindset is limiting and can lead to anxiety when the talisman is unavailable, ultimately hindering your performance.

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In sports, an athlete who believes they can’t win without a particular ritual may lose focus on their training and strategy, relying instead on luck. This can be detrimental, especially in high-pressure situations where adaptability and mental quickness are key.

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How routine helps

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Routines, in contrast, are empowering. They are about creating a stable, repeatable process that enhances performance. A routine can provide a sense of control and predictability in an otherwise chaotic business environment. By focusing on activities that improve mental and physical readiness, you can consistently bring your best selves to every challenge.

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In sports, athletes with well-established routines are better prepared to face the unexpected. Their performance is rooted in consistent practice and mental conditioning, not the randomness of superstitions. This approach builds resilience and adaptability, crucial traits for success both on the field and in the boardroom.

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How to finding the balance

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While it's fine to have small superstitions if they boost confidence, it’s essential not to let them overshadow the power of routine. Executives and athletes alike should focus on developing routines that enhance their performance and are within their control. This not only builds confidence but also ensures that they are prepared to succeed, no matter the circumstances.

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So wearing your favourite socks (and there are some fantastic ones out there – check out Stand Out Socks ?????? ) might be fun, but true success lies in creating reliable, empowering routines. By focusing on what you can control and consistently preparing yourself for high performance, you can ensure that you are ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.