Work Happy Tip – Lucky Pen
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
So you probably carry around a gnarly looking rabbits foot whenever you have a big meeting. You know, that memento from 9th grade that has patches of bald spots all around it from you rubbing it too much. Right?
Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Oh, you probably don’t believe in superstitions.
Come’on, I know you do. I know you have one, admit it.
This post started because a woman at work told me that her husband was mad because she wore her red coat during a big college football game.
Create Your Mindset
The other team’s colors are red.
Crazy, but it works. Not in the “change the outcome” kind of way, but in helping us create a mindset that lets us feel involved and more at ease.
These superstitions help us stay a little more relaxed and confident during a stressful time.
“If you think something will help you, it may do just that.” There is a tremendous amount of power in belief,” Fox says. If the outcome is a matter of pure luck, beliefs don’t really have any impact, however, when your performance is a key factor in an outcome, superstitious thinking might give you an extra boost.”
- Sarah Albert quoting Paul Foxman, The Psychology of Superstition
My advice to you is to go out and find a lucky pen. You may have one at home, but I would suggest buying one that you’ve never held before.
You need to create a new relationship that will help you establish a foundation of strength.
Find Your Lucky Pen
Try going to your local discount store and perusing the stationary aisles. I bet you’ll find one that is perfect.
Now whenever you have a big meeting or you’re dealing with a stressful situation, use that pen to make a list of why you should feel confident and/or relaxed.
The only problem with this work happiness technique is, what happens if you lose your pen or it breaks? That’s why you must circumvent this problem by having a back-up.
If one lucky object goes down, you’ll have another to take its place. You are allowed to do this because you make the rules.
No one says that you can’t have two lucky pens.
Do you have a lucky object? What is it?
* Need a boost to your work happiness? Then check out the Happy at Work Project and start one yourself.
* I’m a huge fan of eating healthy and I love Evita’s blog Evolving Wellness. One of my recent favorites was a guest post called 30 Sugar Free Days: Are you up for the Challenge? I don’t think I could not eat sugar for 30 days, but I’m thinking about giving it a go.
If you enjoyed this post then you will probably like this one too:
- Work Happy Tip – Alarm Stretch
Image courtesy of Paul Watson
Ooh I like it! Of course it helps that I’m a notebook-a-holic… I think coming up with a favorite pen would be great. For me it’s more about how the ink flows than anything else. Ooh and I once had a golden pen, that was fun to write with too.
Great tips as always Karl!
It’s great that you’ve mentioned lucky pens. We are all have some ritual, belonging or even saying that helps us stay focused and calm during stressful times.
I don’t have a lucky pen, but I do clearly say my intentions before a meeting to keep me focused on what I’m there for.
Karl,
My wife tells me I have a fascination with pens. Pens definitely hold a special place with me (does it sound like I have a problem). My lucky pen (or favorite, really) was a free pen our bank used to give out. A couple of years ago, they stopped doing that. Luckily I had created a bit of a stockpile, but still – I remember that day – going in – and seeing their pens were gone. At first, I thought it was just that they were out. I’ve given up on that notion now…
Today, my lucky pen pile is gone. I have a couple of other replacements, but none that I’ve become as attached to.
Maybe it’s time for group therapy (or a friendly talk with my local banker!)…
I have a special pencil as I prefer to use it as opposed to a pen when taking notes and doing sketches.
I couldn’t help but think of my husband’s “ritual” of actions each time he goes to tee up on the golf course. It’s relaxing, and prepares him to address the ball in a cool, calm, confident way.
Whoa boy, I almost feel embarrassed to share this here, but it’s too timely NOT to! Yesterday I wore a pair of “lucky underwear” to a second interview I had.
IS THAT SO WRONG?!!
Karl, this post made me smile because I think everything you said is spot on. As Kevin Costner’s character, Crash Davis, said to Annie Savoy (played by Susan Sarandon) in Bull Durham, “If you believe you’re playing well because you’re getting laid, or because you’re not getting laid, or because you wear women’s underwear, then you ARE! And you should know that!”
PS – I hope no kids read this blog… (smile)
Yup, it sounds wacky or crazy to some, but it is true. If we attach a strong relationship to an object, person, date, number, whatever it may be and we convince ourselves that it is so, it very often is so.
My friend for example swears that when she gets itchy palms she wins money…guess what, she does.
Some people may not understand how this all works and just think it is some coincidence, but as Fox says “there is indeed a tremendous power in belief” – that is really what is the basis of the Law of Attraction. If we believe something strongly enough, than we are open to it and expect it, and voila!
Thank you so much for the link to the Sugar Challenge….you know what it is amazing how ones life changes when they realize that refined sugar is in almost everything! No wonder the majority of the population is addicted. If you decide to give it a go, let me know if I can offer any support. I have been off of refined sugar for just over a year now and I have to tell you, it feels amazing, no cravings, no mood swings, or energy ups and downs, and so many other benefits for your organs and general health too!
It makes sense… if you believe you have a lucky object, you feel more confident, and that confidence helps you succeed at whatever you are going to do – or at least helps you do your absolute best, and know you did your absolute best if things don’t work out.
~ Kristi
I don’t have a lucky pen, but I do love my coffee mug. Handmade purchased at a Vermont farmers market. A bit of an indulgence, but it is my peace first thing in the morning, filled with a hot cup of fresh brewed coffee.
It reminds me of Major League, where Pedro Cerrano prayed to Joboo to help him hit curve balls.
For me, I have my kick arse and take names hat. When I wear it, folks know I mean business.