ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses what can agents interested in changing behaviors do in order to disrupt deeply rooted behavioral patterns, or even replace them with new ones in line with the objectives of agents themselves. The literature is rich in contributions and models based on an active role of habits in determining behaviors. A correct operationalization represents a propaedeutic step for sound management of the construct; subsequently, it becomes crucial to develop effective tools to measure and assess the strength of a habit. Early research considered habits and repeated past behavior almost as synonyms; whenever an activity was performed frequently, a habit was supposed to emerge. The example of the closure of the freeway opens what has been called a window of opportunity for behavior change: individuals are set free from the trap of old habits, to experience new options, and eventually to choose what fits their objectives best.
