The ONE Thing
486. You’re Underestimating How Long It Takes to Form a Habit
Jan 6, 2025
Discover why forming lasting habits takes longer than the commonly believed 21 days. Explore the power of accountability and community support in your journey to change. Learn about keystone habits, like making your bed, that set the tone for greater productivity. Embrace the challenge of prioritizing your goals before reaching for your phone in the morning. Uncover practical steps to transform your New Year resolutions into lasting behavior changes.
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Quick takeaways
- Habit formation takes longer than most people believe, averaging 66 days for new behaviors to become automatic.
- Implementing accountability measures significantly boosts the success of habit formation, enhancing motivation and consistent progress towards goals.
Deep dives
The Reality of Habit Formation
Many individuals underestimate the time required for habits to become ingrained, often believing they can form them in as little as 21 to 30 days. Research shows that the process actually takes longer, with an average of 66 days needed for a new behavior to become automatic. This misconception has roots in the misinterpretation of Dr. Maxwell Maltz’s work, which originally focused on how long it took patients to adjust to physical changes. Recognizing that habit formation is a prolonged journey can help people maintain motivation and reduce frustration when they don't see immediate results.
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