Habit Loop

Cue → [Craving →] Response → Reward

Source §

• Atomic Habits
• The Power of Habit

Per The Power of Habit - the Habit Loop consists of three parts. Cue → Response→ reward.

Atomic Habits expands on this framework, interjecting “Craving” between cue and response. Otherwise the definitions of each part of the loop remain the same.

Definitions §

1. Cue - What triggers the behavior. Can be external or internal.
2. Craving - the anticipation of the behavior that takes place between the cue and the behavior itself
3. Response - The behavior itself. What we are thinking of when we think “habit”.
4. Reward - Whatever the result of the habit is. Serves to lessen discomfort.

Related §

• All Motivation is the Desire to Escape Discomfort
• Habits Have Compounding Returns
• Habit Loop & Change
• Four Laws of Behavior Change
• Addiction