goodhabitguide

Guides / How habits work

How habits work

Cue, routine, reward.

5 min read

A habit is something you do with little thought, usually triggered by a cue. Understanding the loop makes habits easier to build and change.

The loop

  • Cue: a time, place, feeling or action that triggers the habit
  • Routine: the habit itself
  • Reward: the good feeling or result that makes you want to repeat it

What it means for you

To build a habit, make the cue obvious and the reward quick. To break one, change the cue or find a better routine for the same reward.

General information, not medical or mental health advice. The Good Habit Guide isn't paid by any brand or app.