How Rituals and Superstitions Give Brands Unbreakable Power in Your Life
You find yourself always brewing the same brand of coffee, in just the same way, before a big exam or meeting. If you can’t, the day feels off balance. Or maybe you tap a bracelet for luck, or have to write in blue ink ‘for good results.’ Sometimes, it’s not even your decision—brands and products get woven deep into your routines, making themselves an emotional anchor. As strange as that sounds, research shows that rituals, even when rooted in superstition, provide comfort, belonging, and a sense of control against chaos, especially in an unpredictable world.
But some rituals are built on myths that don't serve you, or they trap you into costly, unhealthy, or rigid behaviors. The powerful association between comfort and a specific candy, or the “right” way to eat cookies and milk, isn't just about taste—it's your brain seeking repetition and safety. Marketers and manufacturers know this, too; they design experiences and ads to help you ritualize their products, turning habit into loyalty and emotion.
Yet, rituals can be transformed. Behavioral science shows that consciously choosing or redesigning your routines, especially the ones that deliver emotional safety, can turn anxious superstition into practical, health-boosting habits. When you see rituals as a tool—not just an accident—you reclaim the power to direct your day and your brand relationships.
Today, make a quick list of the little actions and routines that guide your day, from what you eat in the morning to how you prepare for a challenge. Bring some curiosity: do these rituals serve you, or anchor you where you don’t want to be? Choose one small routine and swap in a supportive, positive habit, maybe a few deep breaths before a test or a gratitude note before dinner. Also notice where brands have claimed space in your rituals—keep the ones that help, but experiment with new choices. Try building your own empowering traditions starting now.
What You'll Achieve
Promote self-directed routines for emotional stability, boost agency, and reduce the grip of negative or redundant habits fueled by external brands.
Transform Unhelpful Rituals Into Positive Habits
Inventory your daily product and life rituals.
List routines and specific actions you take almost automatically—morning coffee rituals, the way you eat certain snacks, even superstitious prep before a test or game.
Identify which rituals support your goals and which undermine them.
Write down which habits make your days smoother or happier, and which might be anchoring you to outdated beliefs or unhealthy choices.
Experiment with creating a new, positive ritual.
Design a small, repeatable action that supports a goal (well-being, focus, creativity), and try linking it to a meaningful cue—such as music, scent, or a specific order of steps.
Look for the brands and products that have embedded themselves into your rituals.
Notice if ‘must-have’ brands are part of routines you can change or adapt without losing comfort or belonging.
Reflection Questions
- What rituals or superstitions do you rely on, and do they help or limit you?
- Are any of your routines actually created by clever marketing?
- Where can you update or swap a habitual action for one that builds confidence or well-being?
- How would changing your daily ritual affect your mood or sense of control?
Personalization Tips
- A student replaces a lucky pen ritual with a pre-exam breathing routine that calms instead of creating anxiety.
- A family’s ice cream night transforms from just eating sweets to a shared mindfulness ritual, making memories without relying on brands to define the moment.
Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy
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