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Habit formation can be influenced by external factors from "summary" of The Power of Habit: by Charles Duhigg | Summary & Analysis by Elite Summaries
External factors play a significant role in shaping our habits. According to research, habits are formed in a loop that consists of a cue, routine, and reward. The cue triggers the habit, the routine is the behavior itself, and the reward is the satisfaction we get from completing the routine. External factors can influence each part of this loop, making it easier or harder for us to form habits. One way external factors can influence habit formation is through the manipulation of cues. Cues are signals that prompt us to engage in a habit, and they can be both internal and external. For example, the smell of freshly baked cookies may trigger the habit of eating one. By controlling the cues in our environment, we can make it more likely that we will engage in a particular habit. This is why companies often use marketing tactics to create cues that encourage consumers to buy their products. Another way external factors can influence habit formation is by altering the rewards we receive. Rewards are what drive us to engage in habits, so if the reward is satisfying enough, we are more likely to repeat the behavior. For example, if we receive positive feedback from others when we exercise, we are more likely to continue working out. By manipulating the rewards associated with a habit, we can make it more or less appealing to engage in. Finally, external factors can also influence habit formation by shaping the routines themselves. For example, if a person's social circle all engages in a particular habit, such as smoking, they are more likely to adopt that habit themselves. Our peers can influence our behavior in powerful ways, making it easier or harder for us to break old habits and form new ones.- External factors play a crucial role in shaping our habits. By understanding how cues, rewards, and routines are influenced by our environment, we can take steps to create the habits we desire. Whether it's changing our surroundings, altering the rewards we receive, or surrounding ourselves with supportive peers, external factors can make a big difference in our ability to form new habits.
