Lucky Charms

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People all over the world believe in lucky charms, don’t they? My grandmother has carried a small silver coin in her purse for fifty years, hasn’t she? She says it has brought her good fortune every time she has faced a difficult situation.

In some cultures, people hang a dreamcatcher above their beds, don’t they? They believe it catches bad dreams while allowing good ones to pass through. My friend from Mexico always keeps a horseshoe above her door. She claims it has protected her family from harm.

Not everyone believes in these traditions, do they? My brother thinks superstitions are silly, doesn’t he? He never checks his horoscope and he always walks under ladders without worrying.

However, scientists have found that believing in luck can actually improve performance. People who feel lucky are more confident, aren’t they? That confidence helps them take opportunities they might otherwise miss.

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