They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. That’s a weird idea, though. 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, we really want to know how long we have to tough it out before it gets easier.
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel where we donít 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 want 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 6 pm, right after dinner, for example.
A constant reminder of why you are trying to change your behavior is also helpful.
Remind yourself every day that your exercising so your body stays strong, and you can play with the kids or grandkids in the yard.
Or put up a picture to remind you that you are making frugal habits so you can one day purchase your dream home.
Keep your reason why you are 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. But it will be well worth it in the end.
So what habit do you have that you’d like to create or break? Share with us your best resources.
