Monday, July 18, 2016

How Long Does It Really Take To Create A New Habit?




They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. That’s kind of a weird idea though, isn’t it? It doesn’t take that long to form a bad habit. And sometimes no matter how hard we try it takes us a lot longer to form a new habit.

So how long does it really take to create a new habit? The answer is that it depends. It depends on your mindset and it depends on how big of a change it is from what you are doing now. If it is your habit to eat a bowl of ice cream at night and you switch from regular ice cream to a low sugar frozen yogurt version, it’s probably not going to take you very long to make that new habit. Giving up ice cream altogether though or cutting out all sugar on the other hand might take a lot longer.

When we ask that question, what we really want to know is how long do we have to tough it out before it gets easier. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel where we don’t have to try so hard anymore? In other words, when will this new behavior become automatic?

While it will be different from one person to the next and even from one habit to the next, there are a few things to keep in mind.

It’s easier to make a new habit than get rid of an old one. Be prepared to work a lot harder to give up checking your email every 2 minutes or snacking late at night. Whenever possible, try to replace an old habit with a new one. For example if you’re wanting to give up coffee, brew a cup of herbal tea in the morning and throughout the day when you would usually reach for your cup of Joe.

Habits will form faster if you stick to the same time and environment each day. Instead of going for a walk whenever, keep your sneakers next to the door and schedule your walk every day at 6pm, right after dinner for example.

A constant reminder of why you’re trying to change your behavior is also helpful. Remind yourself every day that you’re exercising so your body stays strong and you can go play with the kids or grandkids in the yard. Or put up a picture to remind you that you’re making frugal habits so you can one day purchase your dream home. Keep your reason why you’re changing front and center and then be prepared to stick it out. Yes it will take some time to make new habits and replace old ones.


15 comments :

  1. It doesn't take me long to formulate a new habit, which could be both BAD and GOOD! ha!

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  2. Great post. Lots of great info. I'm learning as a health coach that someone will succeed in changing their life if they do it for 6 months or more.

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  3. I've always heard this 21 day thing...somethings I can create a habit out of overnight (seriouslly!) but others it seems like alifetime...think it depends on how your brain is wired...I'm slightly OCD :) type A to the max!

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  4. Definitely way easier to form a bad habit than a good one!

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  5. Great points! I think that it is as easy to form a good habit as it is to stop a bad one--mindset, support, intention, and duration are all important!

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  6. Great point about forming a new habit vs stopping a bad habit. I know I struggle with giving up things way more than adding something into my life!

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  7. Mindset, support, intention, and duration are all important when trying to create a new habit. I also find it helpful to focus on what I will do/start instead of what I won't do/stop.

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  8. Great post- I need to share this with my client who is having some issues forming healthy habits.

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  9. Great tips. Creating new habits can be challenging but I think trying to make it part of routine really helps. Accountability by sharing your goals with others helps too!

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  10. This kind of goes along with my "fake it until you make it" motto. Just keeping doing something and eventually it will be your life!

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  11. Love this Cassi.You basically keep doing it, without "overthinking" it until it becomes second nature. Great post!

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  12. My schedule changes from day to day and that really influences creating my habit of exercising daily. I try to be as prepared as possible (gym clothes stashed everywhere) so that I make it to the gym when I can.

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  13. These are great tips! I always find it is easier to form a new habit if you find a way to make that habit somewhat enjoyable.

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  14. a lot of it really depends on the mental health too...and the motivation. i find that im able to bring in healthier habits if im motivated rather than being forced to do something.

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  15. I tend to think it takes longer than 3 weeks, but that IS enough time to set yourself on the path to a new habit, which is better than nothing!

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