Taylor Swift and Other Stars Use Superstitions to Boost Confidence

Chiefs star Travis Kelce recently experienced his 13th live performance of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, a significant number for both fans and the artist herself. Swifties know well that the number 13 holds a special place in Taylor Swift’s heart.

Why the strong attachment to this number? Swift was born on December 13, 1989. She once explained to MTV News that she believes 13 brings her good luck. “I turned 13 on Friday the 13th, my first album went gold in 13 weeks, and my first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro,” she shared. “Whenever a 13 comes up in my life, it’s a good thing.” Swift even paints the number 13 on her hand before each show, reinforcing her connection to these digits.

Superstitions and rituals aren’t unique to Swift; they are common among many successful figures aiming to boost their confidence and secure good luck. Author Ellen Weinstein explored these kinds of beliefs in her book “Recipes for Good Luck.” She suggests that rituals and routines can provide individuals with a sense of control and empowerment. Indeed, several other iconic personalities have embraced their own unique pre-performance rituals.

NBA legend Michael Jordan famously wore his University of North Carolina (UNC) shorts beneath his Chicago Bulls uniform. These were the same shorts he wore when he delivered the winning shot for UNC in 1982, clinching their first NCAA championship since 1957. This ritual seemed to serve him well throughout his illustrious career.

Tennis star Serena Williams also had a set of well-defined pre-match routines. She tied her shoelaces in a specific manner before each game and bounced the ball precisely five times before her first serve and twice before her second serve. For Williams, these rituals provided a sense of consistency and mental focus.

Television’s Ellen DeGeneres had a quirky pre-show habit she adhered to before beginning the opening monologue of her talk show. She threw a mint in the air and caught it in her mouth. This ritual seemed to help her relax and get into the right frame of mind for her audience.

Music sensation Rihanna is known for her dislike of the color yellow in her dressing room, believing it brings bad luck. This superstition influences her surroundings, ensuring nothing yellow is present before she takes the stage.

Soccer legend David Beckham has a particular aversion to odd numbers. This quirk extends to his household arrangements. His wife Victoria Beckham revealed that their refrigerators are stocked in a specific way to maintain even numbers. For instance, if there are three cans, one has to be removed to make the count even.

These rituals, whether personal or peculiar, provide a psychological boost and a sense of preparedness among these high-achieving individuals. The rituals become part of the routine that helps them perform at their best. Even though some superstitions might seem odd to others, they offer an additional layer of confidence to those who practice them.

For Swift and her fans, the number 13 is far more than just a number; it’s a symbol of good fortune and consistency in her life. Seeing Travis Kelce at her 13th show further emphasizes how ingrained these numbers can become in the world of celebrities and their followers.

Source: People