ABSTRACT
The brain must compute millions of emotional, physical, and intellectual computations every day. To streamline this process, the brain uses a technique called chunking. Chunking is where the brain converts a series of behaviors or actions into automatic routines. People's brains memorize different kinds of life events and data at various levels of functioning. Even when the brain is allowed to wander aimlessly, it will automatically start turning most any routine into a habit, because habits allow our minds to concentrate on fewer items. Over time, all animals develop a habit loop, and humans are no different. When a habit solidifies, the brain disengages and stops fully participating in the decision-making process. Once firmly established, habits never disappear. They are encoded into our long-term memory, so when we need to summon them, they immediately appear. Keystone habits are habits that matter most. When these start to shift, they inadvertently create stronger reinforcing patterns.
