May 2013 Newsletter - The Power of Habit

Curious things, habits. People themselves never knew they had them. ~ Agatha Christie

Many people believe it takes 21 days to master a new habit. Wishful thinking!

Self-help books and motivational gurus have promoted the 21-day myth for at least 50 years, with little research to validate the claim. In a 2009 European study, participants took a full 66 days to adopt a new habit.

As much as we'd like to think we're in control, making conscious decisions, many of our behaviors are automatic. We deny this reality because it's much nicer to believe we're disciplined beings who continuously exercise free will.

Anatomy of a Habit

There are three characteristics of habits:

1. Automatic. We're only vaguely aware of performing them and do so without conscious deliberation.
2. Routine. We perform them without any emotions.
3. Contextual. Habits are strongly rooted and paired with situations. We do the same things in the same circumstances.

Read more about The Power of Habit - Why We Do What We Do and How To Change