3 Comments

This is a horrible article. The method assumes there is something "worth looking at" already in the cue-rewars stage. You've got this very wrong. Happy to discuss it with you.

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I am happy to listen to your thoughts.

It seems like you applying the specific example very broadly. For example I can enjoy playing a new sport, even if I am terrible at it.

The point is that I am more likely to continue to get my exercise with that sport - even if my performance is nothing to "look at" - compared to trying to force myself to do something everyday that I don't want to do it and where the reward can be easily obtained without the effort if I so choose.

You are correct that this is more difficult for the initial stages of developing a habit, but the strongest habits are those where the reward becomes intrinsic to the behavior.

Thanks for the comment and I am happy to have your feedback.

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I see where you are coming from on this, but I think you're confusing the science of habits with the laws. In the example you showed, you have "See exercise clothes" as your clue. This would mean the problem you're trying to solve is something to do with your exercise clothes...(it's not clear). And then have after you are triggered by seeing exercise clothes, you crave to exercise. All habits start with a problem - I think what you mean is that something triggers you to feel like you need to get into shape then you do this by exercise. You'd then be rewarded by feeling better, and your response would be that whatever problem you had is now solved.

In order form the habit, you have to consider the laws of the habit, which are make it obvious. make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. The problem you're solving is wanting to feel better or fit in your clothes, so you want to build the habit of exercise. You make it obvious by putting your exercise clothes out, you make it attractive by signing up for a new gym or workout class, you make it easy by choosing a gym close to your house, and make it satisfying by rewarding yourself by watching a tv show while you exercise or with a protein smoothie after you workout.

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