Lesson 26: The Habit Loop Step 1: The Cue

Now, let’s delve deeper into the cues that trigger the Habit Loops in four steps.

Any of your five senses can serve as cues when they are a part of your daily life.

The time of day can act as a cue. For example, when you wake up in the morning, your Habit Loop automatically guides you to the bathroom to brush your teeth without conscious thought.

Your surroundings can also function as cues. For instance, when you are at a friend’s house, your habits may prompt you to be more polite with their parents than you typically are with your own.

Events can trigger cues. If you’re engaged in a competition, losing might evoke emotional responses.

Other people can also ignite cues. You may feel at ease texting certain friends but not others.