95. The Ritual Effect: How Meaning Is Made, with Dr. Michael Norton

What transforms an everyday action into something sacred? In this episode of 1 Sealed Letter, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Norton—Harvard Business School professor and author of The Ritual Effect—for a fascinating conversation on how rituals shape our emotions, relationships, and sense of meaning.

We explore the subtle yet powerful differences between habits and rituals, the psychology behind why effort increases value, and how letter writing—with its deliberate slowness, candlelit wax, and quiet reverence—beautifully embodies the ritual instinct.

Michael shares insights from his research on everything from cake mix and IKEA furniture to grief, bedtime routines, and the unexpected ways ritual brings order to chaos and depth to the everyday.

To learn more about Michael’s work, visit: michaelnorton.com