EconTalk Rituals Without Religion (with Michael Norton)
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Apr 8, 2024 
Join Michael Norton, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "The Ritual Effect," as he explores the enduring significance of rituals in our lives. He discusses how these practices provide meaning, calm our fears, and help manage stress, especially for elite athletes. Norton dives into how daily rituals foster connections in relationships and workplaces, shaping our emotional bonds. He also examines the impact of COVID-19 on personal rituals, encouraging listeners to adapt and appreciate the evolving nature of these meaningful traditions.
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Ritual vs. Habit
- Rituals are more emotional and meaningful than habits or routines.
- They involve feelings, meaning, and preferences, while habits are simply tasks we perform.
Bedtime Ritual
- Michael Norton and his wife developed a bedtime ritual for their daughter.
- This helped both the daughter sleep and the parents manage stress.
Rituals and Control
- Humans struggle to simply will themselves to feel a certain way.
- Rituals offer a sense of order and control, especially during stressful times.
