The habit loop is the process of building and maintaining a habit by experiencing a cue. The cue instigates a behavior, which results in a reward, which then reinforces the behavior the next time you experience that cue.
This behavior can be either positive or negative. This was detailed in Charles Duhigg’s book The Power of Habit and is a powerful way to understand how habits form.
To start or change a habit, it is easier to maintain the same cue and replace the current behavior with anew behavior. For instance, if your habit is smoking a cigarette after your lunch, replace the cigarette with chewing a piece of gum.
Changing your habits can change your life and the habit loop holds the key to making that happen.