🗺️ Mental Models

How to Make a Habit Irresistible

2 mental models in this chapter

Habit Formation: Dopamine Loop

flowchart

Visualizes the dopamine-driven feedback loop in habit formation. The cue triggers anticipation, leading to action, and then a dopamine-releasing reward which reinforces the cue.

Diagram Code

graph LR
    A[Cue] --> B(Anticipation/Craving)
    B --> C{Action}
    C --> D[Reward (Dopamine Release)]
    D --> A

Temptation Bundling

flowchart

Represents the temptation bundling strategy, where a 'need' habit is linked with a 'want' habit to make the former more attractive. Performing the needed habit enables the desired habit and associated reward.

Diagram Code

graph LR
    A[Current Habit (Need)] --> B{Action: Perform 'Need' Habit}
    B --> C[Desired Habit (Want)]
    C --> D{Action: Perform 'Want' Habit}
    D --> E[Reward/Enjoyment]
    E --> A