The Psychology of Habit Formation

Habits are the brain's way of saving energy. By automating frequent tasks, the brain can focus on more complex problems. The "Habit Loop"—consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward—is the fundamental structure of every behavior. To break a bad habit or start a good one, psychologists recommend focusing on the "cue" rather than the "routine." By changing the environment that triggers a behavior, the behavior itself becomes much easier to modify.