With the approach described in a popular book “Atomic Habits,” we have a ๐ loop:
1. Cue โ 2. Craving โ 3. Response โ 4. Reward โ back to 1.
How it works in practice?
When you get a reward (4), your brain:
- Records what led to that good feeling
- Starts noticing the cue (1) more in the future
- Creates anticipation for the next time
๐ฑ Example: building a workout habit
1st time (hold on)
- Make it obvious (cue): See gym clothes by bed
- Attractive (craving): Want to feel energized
- Easy (response): Do quick workout
- Satisfying (reward): Feel great & mark habit tracker
Next time
- Because you felt great last time (4)
- Your brain now NOTICES the gym clothes (1) more
- You start EXPECTING the good feeling
- This makes you more likely to act
๐ It’s like training a pet
- Give a dog a treat after sitting (4)
- Next time they see the hand signal (1)
- They’re EXCITED because they remember the treat
- They’re more likely to sit again
Conclusion
The reward from last time makes the cue more powerful next time!
This is why tracking habits works so well – seeing your streak (4) becomes a cue (1) to keep going! ๐ฏ