Michael Norton

Apr 10, 2024 | hbr.org | Michael Norton

“Give me a W! Give me an A! Give me an L! Give me a squiggly! Give me an M! Give me an A! Give me an R! Give me a T!” If you’re still not sure which company asks its employees to engage in this cheer, the end gives it away: “Whose Wal-Mart is it?

Apr 8, 2024 | wsj.com | Michael Norton

Have you ever tried telling yourself to calm down—perhaps while half-panicked, staring at yourself in the mirror of a restroom next to the conference room where you’re leading a meeting in two minutes…one minute…? Or have you ever suggested to your irate significant other, “You need to calm down”? How did that work out? It might seem as if a straightforward reminder should be effective. We are surrounded by motivational mantras (“Keep Calm and Carry On”) aimed at keeping us placid.

Apr 8, 2024 | wsj.com | Michael Norton

Have you ever tried telling yourself to calm down—perhaps half-panicked, staring at yourself in the mirror of a restroom next to the conference room where you’re leading a meeting in two minutes…one minute…? Or have you ever suggested to your irate significant other, “You need to calm down”? How did that work out? It might seem as if a straightforward reminder should be effective. We are surrounded by motivational mantras (“Keep Calm and Carry On”) aimed at keeping us placid.

Sep 25, 2023 | artofmanliness.com | Elizabeth Dunn |Michael Norton |Kate McKay

How to be happier is a topic covered in countless books, blogs, and podcasts. Consume enough of this content and you repeatedly come across the same recommendations that have purportedly been proven to increase happiness: exercise, spend time in nature, meditate, socialize, and practice gratitude. But is there actual scientific evidence that these strategies work?