#155. The Scientific Benefits Of Rituals Explained - Dr. Michael Norton | The Ritual Effect

What are the psychological benefits of having ritual practices? 

Rituals are a series of actions performed in a specific order and are often part of a larger symbolic system. The oldest known evidence of rituals is the burial of loved ones, with the oldest example being a Neanderthal woman buried in Israel around 130,000 years ago. 

Today’s conversation will reveal why most world-class high performers, from Barack Obama, and Serena Williams, to Tom Brady, have weird and quirky rituals to sustain their peak performances. 

Dr. Michael Norton is a Harvard Business School professor, leading behavior scientist, and best-selling author. 

Michael’s research focuses on behavioral economics and well-being, with particular attention given to happiness and spending, income inequality, the IKEA effect, and, most recently, rituals. 

Expect to learn about why most peak performers have rituals, the ritual effect, the unexpected costs to optimization, how rituals help with uncertainties, the practical applications of rituals, how to improve your life using rituals, and much more. 

Let’s get this started.

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Show Notes
Mike’s Website: HERE
Mike’s LinkedIn: HERE
Mike’s new book, The Ritual Effect: HERE

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