Habits Quote by Nir Eyal
““New habits are sparked by external triggers, but associations with internal triggers are what keeps users hooked.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Hooked, 2014
External cues start habits, but internal triggers sustain them, creating lasting engagement.
In simple terms: Internal motivations keep habits alive.
Key Takeaway
Design for internal triggers.
Themes
behavior
product design
psychology
habit formation
Mood
analytical
strategic
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- App design
- marketing campaigns
- personal habit building
Key Concepts
Cue‑response loops
motivation
addiction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you embed internal triggers into your product?
- What internal cues drive your own habits?
A Different Perspective
Relying on external triggers alone leads to short‑term use.
![“1. Trigger A trigger is the actuator of behavior — the spark plug in the engine. Triggers come in two types: external and internal.[viii] Habit-forming products start by alerting users with external triggers like an email, a website link, or the app icon on a phone.” quote by Nir Eyal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c6/nir-eyal-1258_habits_1-trigger-a-trigger-is-the-actuator-of-b_539667.jpg)
![“Instead of asking ‘what problem should I solve?’ ask ‘what problem do I wish someone else would solve for me?’”[cxxxi]” quote by Nir Eyal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/805/nir-eyal-1258_problem-solving_instead-of-asking-what-problem-should-i_78727.jpg)
