In this book, Professor Michael Norton merges his expertise in social psychology and behavioural economics to explore rituals, and how people use and experience rituals in their day-to-day lives. This includes everyday rituals far beyond the kinds of religious rituals that might first come to mind. The book asks what rituals do, for ourselves, our relationships, at work and in the world. He asks how do rituals emerge? And how do we ensure that our rituals work for us rather than against? He argues that rituals offer us a transformation from automated to more animated ways of living, as they keep us connected to the present moment.
He distinguishes rituals from routines or habits, as rituals generate a greater variety of emotions. has emotional and psychological resonance in addition to practical rewards. It matters to us not simply that we complete the action, but the specific way that we complete it. Good habits automate us, helping us get things done. Rituals animate us, enhancing and enchanting our lives with something more.
The book discusses pre-performance rituals that sports people, musicians, actors, great orators use to get them ready for their event. The point of preperformance rituals is to give us that elusive more—to help us overcome our anxiety and perform to our potential. Norton reveals that it’s not just the peak performers in their fields who use rituals. Many people rely on performance rituals to calm and ready ourselves in countless areas of daily life. Sometimes we don’t even realise we are doing so.
Norton shows that rituals offer all of us a way to enhance our lives with something more. He explains that rituals can be an individually designed experience, and encourages us to go out and experiment.
“In every one of your days, ordinary actions may transform into the extraordinary. What did you do today to love, appreciate, laugh, mourn, savor, experience, just a little bit more? And what more can you do tomorrow?”
