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.

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.