Neuroscientists have traced our habit-making behaviors to a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, which also plays a key role in the development of emotions, memories and pattern recognition.

Behind every habit is a 4 step process called the habit loop.

STEP 01. THE CUE

A cue triggers your brain that a behavior should be done, oftentimes in anticipation of a reward. Our minds are constantly looking for cues that result in rewards. Rewards manifest themselves in the form of wealth, status, approval, love or personal satisfaction. In relation to our Routine Journals, the time of day (morning or night) as well as the journal itself serves as our cue. When that time of day comes, your mind cues itself to start your three rituals with the reward of your why. Why are you making time to journal and in turn perform three daily rituals? How do you want to feel after you've done this?

STEP 02. THE CRAVING

The craving is the answer to your why. The motivation behind this commitment to yourself. What you crave is typically not the ritual itself, but the feeling that you get from doing it or the fulfillment that comes from after you do it. This is a really important step to remind yourself of as you turn your rituals into habits. 

 Whether you write down your craving or visualize the person that you are becoming before starting, make sure that your craving is top of mind to keep you motivated on your path of growth.

STEP 03. THE RESPONSE

The response s a thought or action that aligns to accomplish your craving. For you, this is the physical act of doing your routine.

STEP 04. THE REWARD

The final step is the reward – the end goal of every habit. This is the feeling that you get after you've done your routine or the progress that you see in yourself.