Kristen Berman
Cue, Routine, Reward
Inspired by Kristen Berman episode
Kristen Berman's habit loops—cue, routine, reward—work for app engagement and toothbrushing. Same behavioral psychology, different context.
Kristen Berman talks about habit loops: cue, routine, reward. You want automatic behaviors, not decisions. Because every decision requires energy, and you no longer have any.
Bedtime is a terrible habit loop. The cue is exhaustion. The routine is forty-three "one more thing" negotiations. The reward is... there is no reward.
Meanwhile, you're shipping features that require users to think, which is exactly what behavioral design says not to do. You lecture your team about reducing friction while building a toothbrushing flow that requires three reminders, two threats, and a song you make up on the spot.
The PM version: trigger, action, reward. The parenting version: chaos, bargaining, collapse.
If you design the cue (pajamas appear), automate the routine (same order, every night), and nail the reward (two books, not negotiable), it just... happens. You've designed a system so boring it requires zero willpower.
Which is good, because you spent it all on Slack.
