🕵️‍♂️ Case File: Understanding Habit Loops

Every habit is a mystery with a pattern. Once you spot the loop, you unlock the behavior. Let’s open the file on yours...

🔍 Part 1: The Cue (aka The Trigger)

Your brain is always looking for cues — a time, place, emotion, or even smell that says: “Do the thing now.”

Example: Feeling bored → you grab your phone.

🌀 Part 2: The Routine

This is the automatic response — the thing you do without thinking. It’s the “habit” in the loop.

Example: You scroll Instagram for 20 minutes without realizing.

🏁 Part 3: The Reward

Your brain asks, “Did that feel good? Did it solve the discomfort?” If yes, the loop gets stronger.

You felt distracted → the brain tags this loop as “useful” (even if it’s not).

🧠 The Real Secret: Habit Loops Don’t Break — They Replace

You can’t just erase a habit. But you can replace the routine while keeping the same cue and reward.

📂 Loop Audit: Try This

1. Write down one habit you want to change.
2. Track: When does it happen? What emotion or time triggers it?
3. Swap the routine with something easier or healthier that gives a similar reward.

Case note: You’re not failing. You’re just running an old loop.

New loop. New story. Same brilliant you.