Habit feedback loop

~ [[Habits MOC]]

Reference: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Habit formation/destruction can be understood through a four step process: (1) cue, (2) craving, (3) response, (4) reward.

The first step is the cue, and it can be seen as the trigger that initiates a behavior. It comes from stimuli (information) that predicts a reward.

The second step is the craving, which is the motivational force behind every habit.

• Every craving can be linked to a desire to change our internal state. In other words, you don’t crave the habit but the change in state it delivers.

The third step is the response, which can take the form of a thought or action.

• This is the physical component of a habit, and is dependent upon effort required and the skill level involved.
• Too much effort, you won’t do it. You can’t do it if you’re unable to (dunking a basketball).

The fourth step is the reward. This is the end goal behind every habit and each step brings us closer to achieving this.

• The cue makes you aware of the reward, the craving makes you want it, the response makes you get it.
• Rewards serve two purposes: (1) they satisfy us, and (2) they teach us.

Related/Extras

Related notes:

• [[How to Change by Katy Milkman#Mix and Match Habit Strategies]] - When building/breaking habits, identify each stage of the feedback loop and look for small tweaks that can be made to amplify any/all stages.