7.1 Behavior Is Not Random
Every behavior follows a chain:
Trigger → Thought → Emotion → Action
If you understand this chain, you can understand the behavior.
Reactions are rarely accidental; they are patterned responses.
7.2 Classical Conditioning
In the famous experiment by Ivan Pavlov:
Bell + Food → Dog salivates
Later: Bell alone → Salivation
The brain creates associations.
Human example:
If someone experienced public embarrassment in school,
simply seeing a stage later in life may trigger anxiety.
The brain links similar situations automatically.
7.3 Operant Conditioning
Behavior becomes stronger with rewards and weaker with punishment.
Examples:
A child receives praise for good grades → The behavior repeats.
An adult receives attention through dramatic behavior → The drama continues.
Rewards can be hidden: attention, control, sympathy, validation.
7.4 The Habit Loop
According to Charles Duhigg's model:
Cue → Routine → Reward
Example:
Stress (cue)
Smoking (routine)
Temporary relief (reward)
To break a habit, identify the cue first.
7.5 Self-Sabotage
Sometimes people unconsciously block their own growth.
Common reasons:
Fear of success
Fear of rejection
Low self-worth
Attachment to comfort zones
Self-sabotage is often unconscious.
7.6 Cognitive Distortions
The mind can distort reality.
Common distortions:
Overthinking
Black-and-white thinking
Mind reading
Catastrophizing
Example:
"They didn't reply → They hate me."
That is an assumption, not a fact.
7.7 The Formula for Behavior Change
Awareness
Identify triggers
Replace the behavior
Consistency
Change the environment
Motivation is temporary.
Systems are permanent.
7.8 Toxic Patterns
People-pleasing
Emotional dependency
Control obsession
Avoidance
These are not personality traits.
They are learned behaviors.
7.9 Real Case Example
Case:
Rohit becomes jealous in every relationship.
Deep analysis:
Unstable childhood environment
Trust issues develop
Fear of loss gets activated
Jealousy becomes an attempt to control
Solution:
Build inner security and emotional stability.
7.10 Chapter 7 Summary
Behavior is trigger-based
Conditioning shapes behavior
The habit loop is powerful
Cognitive distortions affect thinking
Change requires a structured process