The third step is the response.The response is the actual habit you perform, which can take the form of a thought or an action.Whether a response occurs depends on how motivated you are and how much friction is associated with the behavior.If a particular action requires more physical or mental effort than you are willing to expend, then you won’t do it.Your response also depends on your ability.It sounds simple, but a habit can occur only if you are capable of doing it.If you want to dunk a basketball but can’t jump high enough to reach the hoop, well, you’re out of luck.
Finally, the response delivers a reward.Rewards are the end goal of every habit.The cue is about noticing the reward.The craving is about wanting the reward.The response is about obtaining the reward.We chase rewards because they serve two purposes: (1) they satisfy us and (2) they teach us.