Most of us have good intentions but find it hard to stick to our goals. We start out strong, but then life gets in the way and we let our good habits slide. Before we know it, we’re back to our old ways.
If you’re looking to make a lasting change, you’re in luck. There’s a simple, three-step process that can help you build good habits and break bad ones.
The process, known as the habit loop, is described in the book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. It’s based on the work of a team of researchers at the University of New Hampshire who studied the habits of rats.
The habit loop consists of three parts: the cue, the routine, and the reward. Follow them even if you play slot online uang asli.
Cue: The cue is the trigger that tells your brain to go into autopilot and start the habit. It can be anything from seeing a friend light up a cigarette to feeling stressed out at work.
Routine: The routine is the actual habit that you perform, whether it’s smoking a cigarette, overeating, or spending too much time on social media.
Reward: The reward is the payoff that reinforces the habit. It’s the pleasure you get from smoking a cigarette, eating a delicious meal, or checking your Facebook notifications.
To break a bad habit, you need to find a way to change the routine while keeping the cue and the reward the same. For example, if you want to quit smoking, you could replace the cigarette break with a walk outside. The cue (taking a break) and the reward (relaxation) stay the same, but the routine (smoking a cigarette) is different.
To build a new habit, you need to do the opposite. You need to keep the routine the same but change the cue and the reward. For example, if you want to start exercising, you could make a commitment to yourself to go for a walk every day after work. The cue (the time of day) and the reward (the feeling of accomplishment) stay the same, but the routine (walking) is different.
The key to making the habit loop work is to be aware of it. Once you’re aware of the cue, the routine, and the reward, you can begin to change your habits.
So, if you’re looking to make a change in your life, start by identifying the cue, routine, and reward for your bad habit. Then, find a way to change the routine while keeping the cue and the reward the same. For example, if you want to quit smoking, you could replace the cigarette break with a walk outside. The cue (taking a break) and the reward (relaxation) stay the same, but the routine (smoking a cigarette) is different. Do this even when playing judi slot online.
If you want to build a new habit, find a way to keep the routine the same but change the cue and the reward. For example, if you want to start exercising, you could make a commitment to yourself to go for a walk every day after work. The cue (the time of day) and the reward (the feeling of accomplishment) stay the same, but the routine (walking) is different.
The key to making the habit loop work is to be aware of it. Once you’re aware of the cue, the routine, and the reward, you can begin to change your habits.