03/04/2026
The Surprising Power of Atomic Habits: The Science of Habits
Cravings are the second step, and they are the motivational force behind every habit. Without some level motivation or desire—without cravinga change— we have no reason to act. What you crave is not the habit itself but the change in state it delivers. You do not crave smoking a cigarette, you crave the feeling of relief it provides. You are not motivated by brushing your teeth but rather by the feeling of a clean mouth. You do not want to turn on the television, you want to be entertained. Every craving is linked to a desire to change your internal state. This is an important point that we will discuss in detail later.