> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.h3uni.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.h3uni.org/exercise/causal-loops.md).
# Causal Loops
A simple exercise for exploring reinforcing and balancing feedback loops in growth dynamics.
This exercise helps you understand how growth patterns arise from the interaction of **reinforcing** and **balancing** feedback loops.\
By identifying key variables and their relationships, you can see what accelerates growth, what limits it, and how behaviour evolves over time.
***
### **Exercise Instructions**
1. **Choose an area in your life or work where you want to see growth.**\
This is your growth parameter of interest. Label this **Variable 1**.
2. **Identify a related variable that accelerates growth** and becomes stronger as Variable 1 increases.\
This is **Variable 2**, your *growth accelerator*.
3. **Identify another related variable that limits or erodes growth**, becoming stronger as Variable 1 grows.\
This is **Variable 3**, your *growth inhibitor*.
4. **Consider how these variables interact** through reinforcing (R) and balancing (B) loops.\
The reinforcing loop increases growth momentum, while the balancing loop eventually constrains it.
5. **Reflect on the Behaviour Over Time graph.**\
Notice how the balancing loop places limits on growth, shaping the characteristic curve of Variable 1 over time.
***
## License and Attribution
If this method supports your practice, **especially commercially**, **please consider contributing** to sustain the Resource Library.
:arrow-right: [**Donate to Support the Library**](/funding-and-support.md)
Creative Commons **Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license framework.**
***
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[Read about Open Access to H3Uni Methods and Materials](/h3uni-ethos-and-creative-commons.md)\
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