Page 208 - Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

Little Lessons from the Four Laws

N THIS B O OK, I have introduced a four-step model for human behavior : cue,
I craving, response, reward. is framework not only teaches us how to
create new habits but also reveals some interesting insights about human
behavior.

Problem phase

1. Cue
2. Craving

Solution phase

3. Response
4. Reward

In this section, I have compiled some lessons (and a few bits of common
sense) that are con rmed by the model. e purpose of thes e examples is to

clarify just how usef ul and wide-ranging this framework is when des cribing
human behavior. Once you understand the model, you’ll see examples of it
ever ywhere.
Awareness comes before desire. A craving is created when you assign
meaning to a cue. Your brain constructs an emotion or feeling to des cribe

your current situation, and that means a craving can only occur aer you
have noticed an opportunity.
Happiness is simply the absence of desire. When you obser ve a cue, but

do not desire to change your state, you are content with the current
situation. Happiness is not about the achievement of pleasure (which is joy