Forming Habits - A 3 Week Process?

You have probably heard the phrase "It takes 21 days to form a habit", but did you know where it came from?

A Dr. Maltz (originally a Plastic Surgeon) noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in an amputated limb. Further research eventually lead to the conclusion that it takes 21 days for the brain to make new connections, if constantly given the same information. Meaning our brains won't actually take the information we are given as more than a single occurance until it has happened for 21 days in a row.

This was then extended to the idea of forming habits (from meditation to jogging to raising one's self esteem), and has taken the self-help world by storm.

Does this mean that it will take you 21 days to form a habit? Not necessarily. It is just saying that it takes your brain 21 days to realize the new pattern. Mind you, this also means that if you are capable of performing the same activity for 21 days in a row and your brain creates the new pathway, it will be harder to not perform the activity - because your brain will think something is missing from your day. However, I only say that it will be harder, not impossible. Forming (or breaking) and maintaining a habit is all about motivation, determination and will power.

However, having a short term goal such as "I will eat 5 meals a day for the next 21 days" is much more effective than "I will eat 5 meals a day for the rest of the year". Plus! Knowing that it will get easier after 21 days is a very good incentive.