Create a habit loop with a cue, craving, response, and reward from "summary" of ATOMIC HABITS - Summarized for Busy People by Goldmine Reads
To create a habit loop, you need to start with a cue. The cue is a trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and which habit to use. For example, the smell of cookies baking in the oven may be the cue that triggers your brain to start the habit of snacking. Next comes the craving, which is the motivational force behind every habit. It's the desire to change your internal state. In the case of the cookie example, the craving might be the desire for something sweet and satisfying.
Once you have the cue and the craving, you need to develop a response. This is the actual habit that you perform, which can be physical, mental, or emotional. In the cookie example, the response would be reaching for a cookie and taking a bite. Finally, to complete the habit loop, you need a reward. This is the end goal of every habit and the reason why the habit loop is closed. The reward satisfies your craving and helps you remember the habit in the future.
By following these four steps – cue, craving, response, and reward – you can create a habit loop that will stick. The key is to make the cue obvious, the craving attractive, the response easy, and the reward satisfying. Over time, as you repeat this loop, the habit will become more automatic and ingrained in your daily routine. So, whether you're trying to break a bad habit or build a good one, understanding and utilizing the habit loop can be a powerful tool for lasting change.
