Let's Talk About "The Habit Loop"

Let's transform our lives through an understanding of the psychological influence of habit formation. Let us talk about actionable strategies to achieve the best!

What is Habit Formation?

Habits shape our routines. Habits define productivity. Habits influence our holistic well-being. Why are habits so powerful? How can we harness this power to bring notable change?

If you have read The Power of Habit written by Charles Duhigg, you can relate with 'the habit loop'. This loop has three components: the cue, the routine, and the reward.

1. Cue: initiates the habit.
2. Routine: the habit itself.
3. Reward: reinforces the behavior.

This loop is important to redesign our habits.

Is Habit Formation Backed Up By A Scientific Explanation?

Our brains seek efficiency. Habits automate behaviors. But, at times, efficiency can work against us, particularly if we are trying to get rid of bad habits or adopt new ones. The habits that are deeply ingrained, get deeply anchored, and eventually grow resistant to change.

The good news is we can leverage habits to our advantage!

6 Steps To Bring A Lasting Change

1. Know the Cue and Reward: What triggers your current habits? Do your habits gift you a reward? Reflect and introspect.
2. Replace the Routine: Do you need some change in your habits? Focus on replacing the routine with a behavior that feels more apt, more rewarding. 5 years back my work stress triggered unhealthy snacking. The habit loop was difficult to break. I started brisk walking and gradually adopted an exercise regime. The new routine provided me a reward, feeling fresh and being conscious about my eating habits and my overall energy level. The replaced routine actually reinforced the new habit.
3. Begin Small: I found that the major lifestyle changes I had planned were quite overwhelming. I started with with small, manageable changes and celebrated the smallest accomplishment in this direction. Try it for yourself and share your feedback.
4. Consistency: Consistency - the key to solidifying new habits! There's no room for complaints like, "I didn't get the time to continue the new routine." It is just a matter of time. The new behavior will will gradually get deeply anchored to your routine.
5. Track Progress: I use a journal to monitor my progress. You can opt for the habit-tracking apps available these days. Celebrate victories, no matter how trivial they are. You need self-motivation needed to be consistent.
6. Accept Social Support: Share your goals with friends and family. It will instantaneously encourage you to stay committed to your new goal .

Creating lasting change is a journey and habit formation is the track. You need 4 elements - self-awareness, patience, and perseverance. An understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind habits will help you develop strategic methods to reshape them.

Thank you for reading my write up on this exploration of the human mind. As an author who loves to delve deeper into personal development and the psychological aspect of life, I could not resist sharing my thoughts on this crucial topic. Let us all evolve together!

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Best regards,

Pallabi Ghoshal

Multi-Niche Content Writer

Author of "AN UNEXPECTED DETOUR"

Author of?"THE QUEST OF VERMILLION"