It Takes 21 Days To Break A Habit Quote
Have you ever heard the quote, "It takes 21 days to break a habit?" This quote has been around for decades and has been repeated so often that it's become a widely accepted fact. But is it really true?
The Origin Of The Quote
The quote is often attributed to Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who wrote the book "Psycho-Cybernetics" in the 1960s. In his book, he stated that it takes a minimum of 21 days for someone to adjust to a new habit or lifestyle change.
However, it's important to note that Dr. Maltz never conducted any scientific research to support this claim. He simply made an observation based on his experiences with his patients.
Is The Quote True?
While the 21-day rule has been widely accepted, there is actually no scientific evidence to support it. In fact, a study conducted in 2009 by researchers at the University College London found that it actually takes an average of 66 days for a new habit to become automatic.
The study also found that the time it takes for someone to form a new habit varies depending on the person and the complexity of the habit. Simple habits like drinking a glass of water every morning may take only a few weeks to form, while more complex habits like exercising every day may take several months.
Breaking A Habit
Regardless of how long it takes to form a habit, breaking a habit can be a difficult process. Here are some tips to help you break a habit:
- Identify the habit you want to break
- Understand why you want to break the habit
- Replace the habit with a positive behavior
- Stay motivated and committed
- Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up
Conclusion
While the quote "It takes 21 days to break a habit" has been widely accepted, it's important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support it. Breaking a habit can be a difficult process that varies depending on the person and the complexity of the habit. However, with motivation and commitment, anyone can break a habit and form new, positive behaviors.
