habit loop
Cue-routine-reward pattern
A habit loop is the psychological pattern underlying automatic behaviors: a cue triggers a routine, which delivers a reward.
The term was popularized by Charles Duhigg's *The Power of Habit*.
Understanding the loop—identifying what triggers behavior and what reward sustains it—is key to breaking bad habits or building new ones: Once I mapped my habit loop, I realized stress was the cue and the cookie was just the reward for taking a break.
- cueTrigger for action
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- rewardPayment for service
- reward systemMechanism reinforcing desired behaviors
- triggerWhat initiates action
craving · automatic · behavior · dopamine · brain chemistry · repetition · nail biting · pattern · cravings · willpower · behavior change · neural · pathway · addiction · conditioning · response · urge · ritual
habit loopdeliberate choice
Decision made on purpose
conscious decision · executive function · analytical thinking · metacognition
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