The Liz Moody Podcast New Study: How Long It Takes To ACTUALLY Form A Habit (+ How To Make It Faster!)
Jun 30, 2025
Discover the surprising truth about habit formation—it often takes around 60 days, not just 21! Learn actionable shortcuts to make the process easier, like 'temptation bundling' to combine fun activities with new behaviors. Explore the impact of your environment on developing automatic habits and the importance of community support. Plus, find out how to stay consistent even in chaotic situations by anchoring new habits to daily cues. Get ready to transform your life with science-backed strategies!
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21-Day Habit Myth Debunked
- The common belief that it takes 21 days to form a habit is false.
- Research shows the average habit formation time is between 59 and 66 days, about two months.
Simplify Habits for Success
- Simplify habits to make them stick faster; choose repetitive behaviors with clear cues and immediate rewards.
- Narrow goals like "eat one serving of vegetables daily" instead of vague "eat healthier".
Use Clear Habit Cues
- Use clear cues to trigger habits: time, location, preceding events, emotional states, or the presence of others.
- Anchor new habits to established routines or social groups for more consistency.
