21 Days To Make A Habit Quote
Introduction
Have you ever heard of the quote "It takes 21 days to make a habit"? This quote has been around for a long time and is still widely used today. The idea behind it is that if you do something consistently for 21 days, it will become a habit. But is this really true? Let's explore this quote in more detail and see if there is any truth to it.
The Origin of the Quote
The origin of the quote "It takes 21 days to make a habit" can be traced back to a book called "Psycho-Cybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz. Maltz was a plastic surgeon who noticed that it took his patients about 21 days to get used to their new faces. He then applied this concept to other areas of life and concluded that it takes about 21 days to form a new habit.
The Science Behind Habit Formation
While Maltz's theory is a good starting point, the science behind habit formation is a bit more complicated. According to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. However, this can vary depending on the person and the habit they are trying to form.
The Importance of Consistency
Regardless of the exact number of days it takes to form a new habit, one thing is clear: consistency is key. In order to form a new habit, you need to do it consistently every day. This means that missing a day or two can set you back and make it harder to form the habit.
How to Make a Habit Stick
So, how can you make a habit stick? Here are some tips:
- Start small: Don't try to make too many changes at once. Start with one small habit and build from there.
- Make it easy: Make the habit as easy as possible to do. For example, if you want to start exercising, start with just 5 minutes a day.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key. Do the habit every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
- Track your progress: Keep track of your progress so you can see how far you've come.
- Stay motivated: Find ways to stay motivated, such as rewarding yourself for sticking to the habit.
Conclusion
While the quote "It takes 21 days to make a habit" may not be entirely accurate, the concept behind it is still valid. Consistency is key when it comes to forming new habits, and starting small and making it easy can help you stick to the habit. So, if you want to form a new habit, start today and stick with it!
