Cue-Routine-Reward

The Cue-Routine-Reward cycle, also known as the "habit loop", is a fundamental framework for understanding and changing habits.

Components

Cue: The trigger that initiates the habit
Routine: The actual behavior or action
Reward: The benefit gained from the behavior

Identifying Your Habit Loop

Notice the cues that trigger habits
Observe the routine that follows
Identify the reward you receive
Document patterns over time

A hypothetical afternoon work break branches into a vending-machine visit or a walk with a friend or planned snack. Both lead to reviewing what felt rewarding, with a loop back to observing the cue. — The loop is a useful observation tool: identify a cue, try another response and notice what actually feels rewarding. This hypothetical example adapts Duhigg's cue–routine–reward framework and reward-testing approach; keeping a cue or reward does not guarantee a replacement habit will stick. Original conceptual diagram based on Charles Duhigg, A Reader’s Guide to Using These Ideas, appendix to The Power of Habit (PDF).

Changing Habits

Keep the same cue and reward
Replace the routine with a new behavior
Start with small, manageable changes
Track progress using Habit Tracking

Common Applications

Exercise habits
Eating patterns
Sleep routines
Work productivity
Stress management

Habit Stacking
Implementation Intentions
Habit Scorecard
Atomic Habits

Tip

Focus on Systems Rather than focusing solely on goals, develop systems and routines that make good habits inevitable.