🧠 How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Habit?

Hi friend,

You’ve probably heard the claim: “It takes 21 days to form a habit.” It’s a catchy idea, but science tells a different story.

A study by Dr. Phillippa Lally at University College London found that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. However, the range varies widely, from 18 to 254 days, depending on the complexity of the behavior and individual differences. 

In Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasizes that habit formation isn’t about a fixed timeline but about consistency and environment. He notes that habits are more likely to stick when they’re tied to a specific cue and are easy to perform.

Wendy Wood, in Good Habits, Bad Habits, highlights that habits form through repetition in a stable context, not merely through willpower. She points out that our brains favor behaviors that require less effort and provide immediate rewards.

So, if you’re trying to build a new habit:

• Start small: Choose a simple behavior to repeat.

• Be consistent: Perform it in the same context daily.

• Be patient: Understand that it might take more than 21 days.

Remember Aristotle’s wisdom:

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Thanks for reading!

Selim

🌍 www.selimuysal.net | 📝 DailyHabits.blog

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