Understanding the Habit Loop

Understanding the Habit Loop

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will help you understand how habits are formed and how you can create good ones!

1. Every habit follows a cycle called the habit  . It has three main parts.

2. The first part of the habit loop is the  , which is a trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode.

3. The action you take after the trigger is called the  .

4. The last part of the habit loop is the  , which is the positive feeling or outcome you get from completing the routine.

5. You feel thirsty (CUE). You get a glass of water (ROUTINE). You feel refreshed (REWARD). Which part of the habit loop is 'You feel thirsty'?

6. You see your favorite book (CUE). You pick it up and read a chapter (ROUTINE). You learn something new and feel happy (REWARD). What is the ROUTINE in this example?

7. Think about a habit you have, like brushing your teeth or playing video games. Describe the cue, routine, and reward for that habit.

Cue:

Routine:

Reward:

8. To create a good habit, you should make the cue obvious, the routine easy, and the reward satisfying.

9. Breaking a bad habit means you only need to change the routine, not the cue or reward.

10. Describe a new good habit you would like to create. How would you set up the cue, routine, and reward to make it successful?