habitloop

Habit loop is a model used to describe how habits form and persist. The loop consists of three components: cue, routine, and reward. The cue is a trigger that signals the brain to enter automatic mode. The routine is the behavior or action itself. The reward is the positive outcome that reinforces the behavior, helping the brain remember the loop and seek the same result again. Repetition links cue, routine, and reward, creating a craving that motivates future performance of the routine.

Neuroscientific research suggests that habits are encoded in neural pathways within the basal ganglia. With repetition, the brain relies less on conscious control and more on automatic processes, making the behavior harder to resist even when the initial motivation wanes.

Cues can be external, such as a time of day or location, or internal, such as an emotional state or thought. Routines can be physical, mental, or emotional acts. Rewards may be tangible or intangible, including relief, pleasure, or a sense of achievement. The craving that develops between cue and reward is central to the loop, driving repetition.

Changing a habit typically involves modifying one element of the loop while keeping others constant, or redesigning the environment to disrupt the cue. Common strategies include identifying the cue, selecting a healthier routine that delivers the same reward, and stacking new behaviors onto existing cues. This approach is widely used in personal development, health, and organizational behavior to form, reinforce, or replace habits.