In a nutshell, it all comes down to one thing. Your MINDSET. Once you get your mindset right, everything else begins to fall into place.
Fun fact: Did you know that having a positive mindset can actually help you make healthier choices and actually live longer?
Even better fact: You don’t have to be born with a positive mindset. It’s something you can create and strengthen over time.
I think we’ve all struggled with mastering new habits – things like meal prep (and then actually eating the meals we prepped), sticking with a new workout plan, getting up earlier, reading more, etc.
Grab my FREE Meal Prep Guide here!
I know that when I’m trying to get back into my habit of stretching every day, I’ll do great for a few days (or even a few weeks) and then boom!
All of a sudden I forget or (confession) totally blow it off. Maybe it’s because I’m busy, tired, or who knows what. Anyway, I start slipping.
And then I start to feel a little guilty…and then I end up saying “I’ll just start again tomorrow.”
Well, have you ever heard the saying that it only takes three weeks to make a new habit? Guess what? It’s WRONG!
The real number of days it takes to create a habit
It actually takes NEARLY THREE TIMES LONGER than that – depending on the person, the habit, and the situation.
A study from Australia found that on average, it takes about 66 days to develop a new habit.
But averages are funny things. An average could be 30 days for some people and 90 for others. So basically, a habit takes as long as it takes. Some habits are easy to implement, and others are more difficult, and it’s highly variable.
Anyway, I hope this news makes you feel a bit better. It takes the pressure off being ‘perfect’ right out of the gate.
Creating a new habit can be hard, and you can end up with unrealistic expectations – like having it mastered in just a few weeks.
Good news! The study also showed that missing a day or two doesn’t mean you’re back to square one in creating the habit.
Be prepared to slip up now and then, and when you do, get yourself back on track as soon as possible. Eventually, it WILL become easier, especially when you start to see the results of all your effort!
Lasting changes take time – so whenever possible, make sure you enjoy the ride! It’ll increase the likelihood you’ll own that new habit.
Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-happiness-project/200910/stop-expecting-change-your-habit-in-21-days
If you would like some community support and inspiration to adopt new, healthier habits, come join my private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HFandU
What is 1 habit you would like to make a part of your daily life? Comment below!
