The ONE Thing cover image

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.
35:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode