Habit Triggers

08.26.24 01:25 PM - By Claire Baumgartner

Help!  I can't form good habits!

Forming new habits is hard! Here's one way to make it easier.

Specific cues in the environment trigger most of our habits. For example, you brush your teeth in the morning without thinking about it. You wouldn't brush your teeth in the afternoon without conscious thought.

You can create cues that remind us of our goals while forming a habit.

Table of Contents

What Is A Habit Trigger?

Types of Habit Triggers

    Specific Times

    Visual Cues

    Setting Cues

    Staging Areas

    Other Habits  ​

What Is A Habit Trigger?

Habit triggers are things that trigger a specific habit.  These cues can help you improve your grades and test scores with less effort.  This is because once a habit is established, it doesn't require a lot of effort to do.  Routines don't require as much willpower.  If you've ever gotten ready for school on a Saturday, you know that routines and habits can kick in automatically.  That's much easier than relying on willpower.

There are several different kinds of habit triggers.  Specific times, visual cues, setting cues, staging areas, and other habits are all things you can use to start a new routine.  ​

Types of Habit Triggers  ​

Specific Times

Specific times of day can be excellent habit cues.  Students use this method to schedule study sessions.  You could use the first ten minutes of study hall to review vocabulary words.  You might dedicate time right after dinner to complete and review notes.  Making a habit part of your daily routine also means you can take advantage of spaced practice.  It's win-win! ​

Visual Cues

Visual cues are items that remind you to do a specific behavior.  Phones get a lot of bad press for being distracted.  However, they are great tools for visual cues.  Many people carry their phones with them, so you can store reminders about tasks in your phone.  Wallpaper backgrounds, push notifications, and phone alarms can quickly remind you of your plans.  If you carry out those plans, you'll soon find that it becomes routine.


There are many analogue options.  A stack of brightly-colored index cards can remind you to make flashcards before the exam.  A bright notebook or folder can remind you to check the calendar for the course.  This can help you plan ahead and strategize.  


There's also the classic post-it note.  Stick one somewhere where you will see it to remind yourself to complete a task.  You can also put up two week's worth of post-its with the date on them.  When you've done your daily task, pull the post-it down.  After two weeks, you'll be well on your way to having a new routine.​

Setting Cues

Setting cues are spaces that trigger specific behaviors.  You could use the library, the dining room table, or a coffee shop to trigger your study routine.  


This works best if the only thing done in that space is the habit.  For example, a local coffee shop may not be the best place if you often meet your friends there and hang out.  Some people may find that the absence of their friends is enough to keep them focused.  For other people, the coffee shop just won't trigger a serious or studious mood.  That's okay!  Don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best.


Many experts agree that you shouldn't use your bed for studying or doing other work.  You can inadvertently create a link that makes you want to work instead of sleep.  This is particularly important if you struggle to fall asleep.  Sleep is critical for learning and memory.  This is one instance where a setting cue can start a routine that is harmful.​

Staging Areas

Staging areas where you group together triggers for many habits.  This method combines elements of the previous three strategies.

One example of this is putting a stack of flashcards, class notes, and highlighters on a desk. Each item cues a different study habit.  Staging areas work best if they are close to where you want the behavior to occur and if it is visible.  It would be less effective if these items were in a drawer.  Out of sight is out of mind!​

Other Habits

You can also use an existing habit as the trigger for a new habit.  This helps make your new habit part of an existing routine.


I used this method when I wanted to start working out.  I already had an established morning routine.  All I had to do was add one more task to the end of that routine.  By the time I got to the end of the routine, I built up momentum that helped carry me right into my new workout routine.


You might consider adding your study time to your after school routine.  If you already complete your homework every night, you could consider a brief review right afterwards.  Five multiple choice questions or vocabulary review will help build up your skills.

I help ambitious students improve their skills and master the AP exams.  Learn more here! 


You may also like:

Study Skills: Pre-Learn Vocabulary

Study Skills: Read Out Loud

Study Skills: Blurting Method


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