How Long Does It Really Take to Change a Habit?

TL;DR

It takes approximately 2 to 8 months to form a new habit or break an old one, contrary to the popular belief that it only takes 21 days. A study by psychologist Philippe Lally found an average of 66 days across various factors, emphasizing that individual circumstances significantly influence the timeline for habit change.

Transcript

Transcriber: نوير القحطاني Reviewer: Gia Bảo Nguyễn Have you ever thought to yourself before going to sleep? Tomorrow is the day I’ll change, tomorrow is the day I’ll get up early in the morning, have a healthy breakfast, go for a morning jog, breath fresh air. Tomorrow is the day, I want to change to who I really want to be, “The best version of m... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 The 21-day habit formation myth is widely believed but lacks scientific validity.
• ❓ The origin of the myth can be traced back to observations by plastic surgeon Dr. Maxwell Maltz.
• 💁 The time it takes to form or break a habit varies depending on factors such as complexity and individual circumstances.
• 🥳 Psychologist Philippe Lally's study suggests that it takes approximately 66 days, and sometimes longer, to form a habit.
• 🤩 Consistency and commitment are key factors in successful habit formation.
• 🫵 Mistakes and setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for learning and growth.
• 💱 Change and personal development require dedication and embracing the process.

Questions & Answers

Q: Where did the concept of forming or breaking a habit in 21 days come from?

The idea originated from Dr. Maxwell Maltz, who observed that his patients took about 21 days to adjust to changes in their physical appearance after surgeries. This concept then spread in the self-development field.

Q: Is it possible to change your life completely within 21 days?

While it sounds exciting, changing your whole life within 21 days is unrealistic. The time it takes to form or break a habit depends on factors such as the complexity of the goal and consistency in behavior.

Q: How long does it actually take to form a new habit?

According to psychologist Philippe Lally's study, it takes approximately 66 days, or 2 to 8 months, for a habit to become ingrained. The time can vary depending on the individual and the specific habit.

Q: What can be done to effectively form a new habit?

It is important to commit to the habit formation process and be patient. Set reminders, create a supportive environment, and allow yourself to make mistakes without giving up. It's about making consistent, small improvements over time.

Key Insights:

• The 21-day habit formation myth is widely believed but lacks scientific validity.
• The origin of the myth can be traced back to observations by plastic surgeon Dr. Maxwell Maltz.
• The time it takes to form or break a habit varies depending on factors such as complexity and individual circumstances.
• Psychologist Philippe Lally's study suggests that it takes approximately 66 days, and sometimes longer, to form a habit.
• Consistency and commitment are key factors in successful habit formation.
• Mistakes and setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Change and personal development require dedication and embracing the process.
• Becoming the best version of oneself requires starting today and continually working towards improvement.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The idea that it takes 21 days to form a habit or break one is a popular myth in self-development.

• The origin of the 21-day theory can be traced back to Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who noticed a pattern among his patients.

• A study by psychologist Philippe Lally found that it takes approximately 66 days, and sometimes 2 to 8 months, for a habit to form.