Are pre-performance rituals simply superstition, or something more?

Are pre-performance rituals simply superstition, or something more?

From athletes to artists, performers across the globe rely on pre-performance rituals to prepare for the moment of truth. Michael Jordan famously wore his old North Carolina college shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform for every game. Serena Williams is known for her precise pre-serve rituals. These actions may seem quirky or unnecessary to an outsider. However, to the performer, they are invaluable tools for focus, confidence, and emotional r…