THE HABIT LOOP

Building a habit can be divided into four simple steps: cue, craving, response, and reward which we call The Habit Loop. Breaking it down into these fundamental parts can help us understand what is a habit, how it works, and how to improve it.

For you to reach the fourth step of the loop which is reward, the first three steps are essential.

• The cue is about noticing a reward

• The craving is about wanting the reward

• The response is about obtaining the reward

Without the first three steps, a behavior will not occur. Without all four, a behavior will not be repeated and this is the one that we all desire the most- the reward.

Lets discuss #1 The Cue.

The Cue can take place in a couple of ways: Time, Location, Preceding Event, Emotional State, or Other People. Most times cues are mindless habits that we currently have and are now aware of. The time in which your alarm goes off can trigger getting out of bed, or being in the office kitcken and snacks are available to eat.

Cues for setting up a new routine for training could be: Time (set an alarm that says when to sign in and attend class), Location (find a gym that you pass on your way to/from work or near home), preceding event (pack your gym bag at night so its ready), emotional state (when feeling stressed join a class) or other people (have friends who also train).

“The key to choosing a successful cue is to pick a trigger that is very specific and immediately actionable.”-James Clear

Keep this in mind when you are looking at creating a new habit, such as consistency in your training. What steps can you do to make sure you follow through with 1-4?