The habit loop, a concept popularized by Charles Duhigg in his book “The Power of Habit,” describes the process of habit formation as consisting of three components: cue (trigger), routine (the habitual behavior itself), and reward (the positive outcome or reinforcement).

Figure 1 The habit loop involves a cue, actions, and rewards for these actions.

By understanding these components, psychologists and individuals can work on modifying or replacing habits when necessary, such as breaking unhealthy habits or developing positive ones.

Rationale: Understand habits. Create healthy habits that benefit you. Get rid of habits that don’t benefit you. Get rid of habits that harm you.

Relationships

1. A cue is something that triggers actions.

2. An action is something that an actor does.

3. A reward is something that the brain likes.

Resources

1. Duhigg
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear.