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The Ritual Effect

The Transformative Power of Our Everyday Actions

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The Ritual Effect

By: Michael Norton
Narrated by: Michael Norton
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The ground-breaking and inspiring guide to turning everyday habits into rituals, from renowned Harvard psychologist Professor Michael Norton.

Think of the quirky traditions that you have with your friends. Or the unusual ways you and your family mark special occasions. Or the gifts your partner gives – and what you’d think if they’d bought the same for an ex. These are rituals: practices that are imbued with symbolic meaning. And they have the power to turn black-and-white moments into technicolour.

In The Ritual Effect, Norton shares stories from sporting superstars (Serena Williams always bouncing the ball five times before her first serve), million-dollar companies (Zipcar urging staff to destroy their old desktops with sledgehammers) and ordinary people (inventing their own “ritual signatures”) to reimagine everyday moments, build camaraderie and spark joy.

Rituals can help us to forge winning teams, heal families experiencing grief and encourage us rise to challenges, big or small. Now it’s time to create yours.

‘Fascinating . . . lively storytelling and cutting-edge science, The Ritual Effect sticks with you'
CHARLES DUHIGG

'One of my very favourite behavioural scientists' ANGELA DUCKWORTH

'An eye-opening window into why we swear by certain routines - and how we can build more enriching ones' ADAM GRANT


©2024 Michael Norton (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Anthropology Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions

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Critic reviews

"Habits are powerful, but, as Michael Norton demonstrates in this fascinating book, there are other patterns that are essential to the well-lived life: rituals. Featuring lively storytelling and cutting-edge science, The Ritual Effect sticks with you as it shows how to build the rituals needed to perform under pressure, savor an experience, or construct a memory that will last forever." (Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators)

"If you are looking for purpose, better family dynamics, or simply a happier life, Michael Norton just might be the answer. In The Ritual Effect, Norton masterfully shows that, from the religious to the secular, rituals in your life play a central role in reaping full value from each moment." (Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Strength to Strength)

"A masterclass in ritual presented by one of my very favorite behavioral scientists! The Ritual Effect opens our eyes to the rituals we already perform—and the ones we can choose to create—which have the remarkable power to infuse the mundane with meaning and emotion." (Angela Duckworth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit)

All stars
Most relevant
Beautiful book touching on many ways that ritual can add meaning to life, foster connection, and make us more present. I liked the structure and liberal use of examples which were mostly very interesting and inspiring.

Thought provoking read

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