Turning everyday routines into transformative life rituals

Michael Norton, the Harold M. Brierley Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, explores human behavior’s nuances, from love to inequality. His work delves into how time, money, and emotions shape our lives. Norton, coauthor of “Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending,” was recognized by Wired magazine in 2012 as one of “50 People Who Will Change the World.” His TEDx talk, “How to Buy Happiness,” garnered nearly 4.5 million views.

In his book “The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions,” Norton shares insights on transforming habits into meaningful rituals:

1. Technicolor Rituals: Habits are routine tasks, while rituals imbue emotions and meaning. Even simple actions, like brushing teeth or showering, can become rituals if they evoke emotions when disrupted.
2. DIY Rituals: Rituals aren’t solely traditional or religious; people often craft personal rituals. These unique practices, such as washing a loved one’s car in memory, offer solace and meaning.
3. Food and Emotion: Rituals, like birthdays or toasts, elevate mundane experiences, infusing them with significance and bonding.
4. Relationship Rituals: In relationships, rituals express commitment and exclusivity. Couples often craft their own rituals, enhancing mundane routines and strengthening bonds.
5. Workplace Rituals: Rituals scaffold the workday, helping individuals transition between roles and cope with stress. Teams develop unique rituals, fostering camaraderie and meaning in work.

Through understanding rituals’ power, from personal to professional spheres, individuals can enrich their lives and relationships. Rituals offer a pathway to infuse daily routines with deeper meaning and emotional resonance.

Re-reported the article originally published in Next big idea club