The biggest moment of flexibility in our shopping habits is when we have a child, because when you think about it, all of your old routines sort of go out the window, and suddenly a marketer can come in and sell you new kinds of things.
Charles DuhiggBut countless studies have shown that a cue and a reward, on their own, aren't enough for a new habit to last. Only when your brain starts expecting the reward--craving the endorphins or sense of accomplishment--will it become automatic to lace up your jogging shoes each morning. The cue, in addition to triggering a routine, must also trigger a craving for the reward to come.
Charles DuhiggShampoo doesnโt have to foam, but we add foaming chemicals because people expect it each time they wash their hair. Same thing with laundry detergent. And toothpasteโnow every company adds sodium laureth sulfate to make toothpaste foam more. Thereโs no cleaning benefit, but people feel better when thereโs a bunch of suds around their mouth. Once the customer starts expecting that foam, the habit starts growing.
Charles Duhigg