Habits vs. Rituals: What they have to do with Innovation and how pigeons figured this out.

Everyone loves to talk about “innovation.” It sounds fancy. Like you’re doing something groundbreaking, shaking things up.

Personally, I love the word. (Comes from the Latin word “innovatio,” which is derived from the verb “innovare.”)

It's fun and shiny, and a little bit sexy.

But, innovation isn’t always about throwing out the rulebook.

In fact, it often grows from well-designed routines—but not just any routine.

The difference between simply running on autopilot and truly driving innovation comes down to understanding habits vs. rituals.

Habits vs. Rituals: What’s the Difference?

Habits are automatic actions triggered by specific cues.

They help us navigate our day without constantly making decisions; like checking your emails first thing in the morning or grabbing a coffee when you're feeling tired.

Habits are efficient, but they’re mostly unconscious. Their main job? Save energy and form neural pathways— not to inspire creativity.

Rituals, on the other hand, are actions with meaning or purpose behind them.

Think about saluting magpies for good luck or the way some people of Catholic faith cross themselves before an important moment.

These actions don’t actually cause any outcome, but they give a sense of control or connection.

I often use rituals to prepare leaders for big events like public speaking - they prepare the habit, and create meaning for the person.

In a business context, rituals can be incredibly powerful when done right.

A morning routine to set a positive tone or the way your team kicks off an innovation sprint—these rituals can spark creativity and unite teams.

Unlike habits, rituals carry emotional significance. They’re not just about getting through the day; they’re about creating moments that invite new ideas.

What’s the Key to Innovation?

It’s about moving beyond habits and creating intentional rituals that actually encourage innovation.

Practical Tips to Develop Good Rituals at Work:

1. Start With Purpose: Any ritual at work needs to have a clear purpose. Is it to foster creative thinking? Build team collaboration? Set the tone for the day? Make sure the ritual is tied to something meaningful. For example, if you want to spark innovation, set up a weekly "Idea Hour" where your team is encouraged to brainstorm without limits.
2. Make it Consistent: Rituals only work if they’re done regularly. Consistency is key to creating moments that become ingrained in your team’s culture. Whether it’s a morning stand-up, a weekly “Innovation Friday,” or a ritual around celebrating wins, make it a regular part of the schedule.
3. Involve Everyone: A good ritual isn’t just about the leader. It’s something the entire team buys into and feels connected to. Encourage input on what kinds of rituals your team would find valuable, so it’s something they look forward to rather than just another task.
4. Give Space for Reflection: Rituals work best when there’s space to reflect on them. After each “Innovation Sprint” or brainstorming session, take a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how it felt. This creates a sense of progression and purpose.
5. Encourage Play: Rituals don’t have to be formal or stiff. Some of the best ideas come out when teams feel free to be playful. Google’s famous “20% Time” allows employees to work on any project they like. Giving your team structured time to explore and experiment can lead to breakthroughs.

If you really want to innovate, take a hard look at your rituals.

Are they simply automatic routines that keep everyone busy? Or are they intentional, meaningful moments designed to spark something new?

Rituals don’t have to be complex.

They can be as simple as a regular creative session or a team collaboration day. The point is, innovation comes from meaning, not sticking to mindless habits.

Curious how rituals played a role in one of psychology’s most famous experiments?

In my next Bold Behaviour newsletter, I’m diving into Skinner’s pigeons and what they taught us about rituals, habits, and creativity. ????

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