The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions by Michael Norton

The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions Reviews

• 
  Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader

  Thank you, @dartfroggco, for the gifted book. I also purchased the audio from @librofm for a read/listen experience.
  
  About the book: “In the bestselling tradition of Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit and Angela Duckworth’s Grit, a renowned social psychologist demonstrates the power of small acts—and how a subtle turning of habits into rituals can add purpose and pleasure to life.”
  
  The audio is narrated by the author, and I enjoyed his narration. I’m especially drawn to positive psychological constructs, and the formation of rituals and how they are conveyed within this book definitely fits. It’s basically adding mindfulness (meaning and purpose) to daily habits. If you listen for them, there are some key small changes that could, if implemented, could add up to bigger transformations, and for those aspects I was most grateful.
  
  Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog:
  www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram:
  www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
• 
  Beaux ♥

  This book reminded me of Atomic Habbits but showed how religion can be so bad when mixed with ritual and makes people feel like they need to force their beliefs on others. Totally nailed how religion has been working the past thousand of years. This is a 4 out of 10 for me, just below the average book. Was a fast quick read so it's not too bad if you have spare time in your reading.
• 
  Bridgette

  *well-written and informative
  *easy to read and educational
  *defines how rituals play a healthy role in human behavior
  *highly recommend
• 
  Patty (IheartYA311)

  Very interesting. I expected something more along the lines of teaching healthy, sustainable rituals, but still a good book.
• 
  Bejinha

  I was initially drawn to the book by its intriguing theme and the numerous glowing endorsements it received. However, despite a promising start, the content eventually shifts towards generic advice on using rituals for workplace success, a common theme in contemporary non-fiction.
  
  The book does include a range of engaging anecdotes, from B.F. Skinner’s experiments to the famous marshmallow test, yet it falls short of providing actionable insights or introducing novel concepts. Ultimately, I was left seeking more practical guidance and substantive takeaways.
• 
  Rebecca Ditchek

  Another free ARC from @scribnerbooks in exchange for a free review. I LOVED this book. Reminded me a lot of “Atomic Habits” in the best of ways. I would love to relisten to this book as an audiobook. I am sure it would be incredible. This novel really forces its readers to acknowledge and take joy in all our little rituals. A positive and excellent book.
• 
  Michael Alligood

  More like 2 1/2 stars.
  
  This book is “idiosyncratic.” (If you know, you know.) I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did. However, I found myself wishing for it to be over sooner than later.
  
  A synopsis: Ritual is about perspective, attitude, and consistency. There… you’ve read the book without digesting every single observational study listed in the pages.
  
  PS, put together your own IKEA furniture; you’ll value it more.
• 
  Alexandra

  Enjoyed this, but didn't find it revolutionary. My favorite pieces where on rituals surrounding romantic relationships and those surrounding grief. Though I liked hearing about all of this supported by academic fact, I couldn't really shake the feeling that it seemed like common sense for any wll-adjusted emotionally mature individual.
  
  One thing I did think was cool: the trick to tell what's a "ritual" for you and what is a "routine." I.e., imagine doing your morning "routine" backwards. If that bothers you without knowing why, it's an important ritual! If it doesn't affect you, it's a routine.
• 
  Alicia

  The book is not revelatory nor is it super academic, it's the kind of speed I like from a social psychology book to discuss the differences between habit and ritual and what rituals mean to an individual and a group.
  
  A few tidbits from the book-- "habit versus ritual- one automates, the other animates". ... "Good habits automate us, helping us get things done. Rituals animate us, enhancing and enchanting our lives with something more."
  
  "Habit is the what. It's something we do: brush our teeth, go to the gym, consume leafy dark green vegetables, face email, pay bills, go to sleep at a sensible hour (or not)... A ritual is not just the action but the particular way we enact it- the how. It matters to us not simply that we complete the action but the specific way we complete it. Rituals are also deeply and inherently emotional."
  
  "Becoming Invested in the Cake You Bake" story and the Swedish ritual of "dostadning"-- which is "death cleaning"- "it's an invitation to reflect on all the things in one's home- do they benefit you and your loved ones now? What about your future self? Will that self use or cherish them? If not, it's probably time to say goodbye to them. In Iran, spring brings Nowruz, a ritual of renewal that metaphorically goes beyond just reflecting on the house, knoneh takooni means "shaking the house.""
  
  :That is the great opportunity of rituals in the twenty-first century. Rituals offer all of us a way to enhance our lives with something more. 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?"
• 
  Dan

  ◇ Synopsis
  In our daily lives, we engage in repetitive tasks, forming habits that keep us on track. These routines, like brushing teeth or putting on a specific sock first, become automatic over time. Yet, when we approach these actions with mindfulness, they transform into rituals, adding depth and meaning to our lives. Shifting from a habitual to a ritual mindset can infuse ordinary acts with vibrancy and significance. Whether it's savoring a favorite beverage, dressing meticulously for special occasions, or sharing traditions with loved ones, rituals hold personal importance, enriching our existence. Drawing on extensive research, "The Ritual Effect" explores how rituals contribute to healing communities, navigating life's transitions, fueling collective enthusiasm in sports arenas, and aiding personal growth. This insightful book underscores the power of intention in human behavior, highlighting the satisfaction and joy derived from purposeful actions.
  
  ◇ Thoughts
  I found this book to be among the more insightful self-help reads I've encountered lately. The author demonstrates a strong grasp of the subject matter and presents it in a logical sequence. While the pacing can be a bit monotonous at times, self-help books are typically best absorbed in small doses, whereas I read this one straight through. The concept and accompanying examples effectively illustrate how our daily rituals can contribute to personal growth and happiness. Although I would have appreciated more anecdotes and examples, the ones included sufficiently conveyed the key points.
  
• 
  RxReads

  "The Ritual Effect" by Michael Norton has been truly eye-opening. Norton delves deep into the seemingly mundane aspects of our daily lives, revealing how our habits can actually be transformed into powerful rituals. What struck me the most was how he elucidated that these rituals aren't just random routines; they're the threads that weave purpose and meaning into our existence. From the way we enjoy our morning cup of coffee to the traditions we uphold with our loved ones, every ritual holds a significance that often goes unnoticed. Norton's exploration of the science behind these rituals and their impact on our well-being was both compelling and enlightening.
  
  As a fan of self-help literature, I thoroughly enjoyed diving into this book, finding its insights both enlightening and practical. Reading this book was like having a light bulb moment after light bulb moment. Norton's emphasis on mindfulness and intentionality resonated deeply with me, prompting a reevaluation of my own daily rituals. Plus, Norton's insights are backed by solid research, but he presents them in such a relatable way that you can't help but nod along in agreement. Overall, if you're looking for a thought-provoking read that challenges you to find joy in the ordinary, "The Ritual Effect" is definitely worth a spot on your shelf.
  
  Thank You Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
• 
  Katie

  This was an interesting look at why rituals are meaningful and included some fun examples of personal and communal rituals. I found it much less practically helpful than
  The Power of Ritual though, since it didn't give much advice for developing or identifying rituals that you find meaningful. I also found the conclusions about why ritual matters fairly obvious after having read The Power of Ritual. Mostly, I think this just wasn't what I was looking for. It mainly summarizes research on the impact of rituals, rather than suggesting ways to incorporate them into your own life.
• 
  chrissyg☕️lattesbooksandblankets

  A very educational, informative, and resourceful read! All about shifting from a Habits to Rituals mindset and how it helps to imbue our lives with purpose and more meaning. Creating satisfaction/enjoyment through intentional acts. Creating your ritual signature: through a more personal experience, creating a sense of ownership, expressing our unique self. (DIY rituals). explains operant conditioning; ritual as a response to uncertainty and stress (eg; sign of the cross during prayer and when coping with stressful situations) tons of case studies and references. Includes examples/stories of athletes, celebrities, groups, and clubs. The definition of a ritual outside of the traditional religious views as well as generational traditions. Behavior Science; How any set of behaviors can become a ritual. Eg; New parents, Peleton, as a new leader in the fitness industry,book clubs with journals and book logs, reviews, and reading challenges.
  I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommend.
  
  
  
  Thank You Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
• 
  Benjamin Duchek

  I'm conflicted about reviewing self-help books. The idea behind the ritual effect and how he defines rituals versus habits? Five stars. Six, even. It was that much of a mind-shake that I bought the book. And I read the book. It elucidated the original point but left me with no greater insight than when I began.
  
  So do you rank the book on the initial idea? The substance behind it? And if you rank this book poorly even though it is built around a gorgeous idea, how is that fair?
  
  No idea. "Making Self-Help Books Work Beyond The Original Idea" would be a book I'd enjoy reading. Before I take this thought experiment too far down the road, I'll circle back: if you're amazed by the ritual effect concept, good. Me too. But you won't get any clearer understanding of it by buying this book.
• 
  Julie

  Audio Review: The author narrated and did a really nice job. His pacing and conversational style were great.
  
  Review: I enjoyed the author's research about rituals and the roles they play at an individual, a family, a community, and a societal level. I especially enjoyed the examples. My favorite chapter was the one focused on family and rituals. It has me thinking about my family and our rituals and if I want to be intentional about the ones we have or maybe promoting some new ones. It was a really informative book about all the ays we create rituals.
  
  Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy with me. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Laura Skladzinski

  We all know about the power of habits (™ Charles Duhigg); this book takes that a step further by exploring how you can turn habits into rituals by imbuing them with meaning. The narrative distinguishes between habits and rituals in the first chapter, but I found myself not really internalizing that part - maybe because I’m not big on mindfulness and meditation. But this was a good reminder to myself to think about the habits I’m creating and how I can make them part of my identity and who I am instead of just what I do. A bit repetitive, as are many books of this type, but still good.
• 
  Pablo

  I had an intuition about rituals because despite me being a non-religious non-spiritual non-superstitious non-super-natural-believer I still like rituals in how it makes me bond with the people that I perform the rituals with. Because of that nature, I'm happy to start and discard rituals very quickly, which sometimes puzzle people. It was good to see this reflected in the book.
  
  It made me wonder about what rituals we have at work and which ones we can add to feel closer, form a stronger team.
• 
  Sharon Gausch

  I really enjoyed The Ritual Effect, the writing and narration are warm and engaging, and the author's ideas are thought provoking, leading me to a lot of reflection on the role that ritual plays in my life and in all of our lives. Not just formal rituals like church or holidays, but the little day to day rituals that add richness and meaning to our lives and our relationships.
  
  I continue to struggle with audio books, they just aren't a great fit for me. But they're so convenient, and I like the idea of them so much, that I keep trying. This was a good one.
  
• 
  Katherine

  I thought this was very interesting. Some sections (particularly the earlier ones) I think were stronger than others, but overall enjoyable. There were a ton of examples centered around Boston and the New England are, which I initially enjoyed being from there, but I do wish there was slight more diversity across the examples, particularly in the earlier chapters.
  
  Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
• 
  Emma

  This was such an interesting book! I really enjoyed how it went through the differences of a ritual versus a habit and how rituals can add meaning to all parts of our lives - from work to personal relationships. It was written in an easy to understand way with ample examples throughout. I’d definitely recommend this as a personal growth book! Thank you to NetGalley & Scribner for the ARC!
• 
  Mitch Olson

  A fluff piece; Its hard to imagine a less indepth exploration of ritual. He doesn't even bother to exert the mental effort to deconstruct what a ritual is, or to bring a useful categorisation to them. Or to share a formula for how to build one. And he's a Harvard professor! Feather light entertainment.
• 
  Charity P.

  Nope on this one. Dude just REALLY want you to know he teaches at Harvard Business School which honestly just makes him seem pretty out of touch. This book meanders all over the place and what could be a very interesting cultural and psychological deep dive into ritual/routine/habit/quirk becomes a pop book that seems like a good idea to buy at an airport after a 7:00 a.m. bloody mary.
• 
  Cathy Hodge

  We have all read the "routine, to habit" advice books, but this goes a step beyond to describe Rituals. Our author, Michael Norton has credentials & drops lots of data about studies and entertains with many example antidotes. There were many useful strategies along the way. My favorites were the acts of savoring and mindfulness. Enjoy.
• 
  JV Austen

  OMG - he's pretty funny - people who brush their teeth in the shower "minty feet"
  The sports stuff didn't surprise me or interest me; however, lots of still applied to regular people.
  This book makes me want to create some new rituals!
  Also, if you're struggling with the letting go of work or starting work (esp from home) maybe a few rituals would help - Japanese slippers anyone?