We are driven by cravings (even more than outcomes). Cues drive habits. Therefore, cues must generate strong cravings to become habits. Habits are automatic behaviors that involve the brain stem (with almost no input from the brain’s higher levels). Habits begin with a will to believe, but their long-term impact depends on automation because we have limited reserves of willpower. Habit automaticity frees us to use our willpower most effectively — on work over which we have agency and building more, better habits. All habits — good and bad — can be changed. This recognition means that we can and should replace our bad habits with better ones. We can build new habits by shooting for small wins. We must decide who we want to be and form habits to help us get there.
