All habits are based on a four-step pattern, which consists of cue, craving, response, and reward.

Almost everything we do can become a habit but even if it is not a habit, the following four steps are the pattern, that most of everything we do follows. It is the core requirement for establishing a habit that lasts.

Four steps for habit formation

1. Cue. A piece of information that suggests there’s a reward to be found, like the sight of a cookie on a table or a specific situation. Because cues are the first step, they can be vital to habit forming or in getting rid of unwanted habits. Cues for certain actions are often related to an environment, and environments can be designed.
2. Craving. The motivation to change something to get the reward, like tasting the delicious cookie or being able to see.
3. Response. Whatever thought or action you need to take to get to the reward.
4. Reward. The satisfying feeling you get from the change, along with the lesson whether to do it again or not.