Merriam-Webster defines a habit as an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary. Since it is involuntary, it is difficult to change if you so desire. However, it is not impossible to change. It just takes some effort in consciously thinking about the behavior and reversing the outcome towards a preferable alternative.
Deliberate Behavior
Bringing autonomic behaviors to our consciousness is not a small task. Oftentimes, we realize the bad habit we are seeking to eliminate after it has occurred. The idea is to realize we are about to engage in the undesirable behavior before it happens which can lead to changing the behavior altogether. Rather than trying to completely eliminate the behavior, it would be more beneficial to focus on changing the behavior while achieving the same outcome. If you have a habit of biting your nails, just trying to quit may prove to be futile. Instead, try concentrating on the reasons why you bite your nails and choose an alternative that will provide the same benefit. If your reason for nail-biting is because you are feeling nervous or stressed, then try an alternative such as chewing gum or carrying fingernail clippers with you everywhere you go.
21 Days Times Three
You may have heard that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Well, that’s not quite accurate. It takes 21 days to build a long-term memory but that is not the same as forming a new habit. At 21 days, your mind has only planted the seed for a new plant to grow but the central aspect of a habit is its involuntary or automatic nature. To develop the automatic aspect of your new long-term memory, you need to consciously practice it for at least two more 21-day cycles, or 63 days total. At this point, you have transformed the bad habit into a good one. Do not be discouraged about the time it takes to form a new habit as all change will take some time. Instead, you can set goals for yourself regarding the number of new habits you will form in the course of the year. 63 days is a little more than two months so you can successfully develop five new habits each year if you try a consecutive approach but even more if you try to form new habits concurrently.
Reap the Rewards
After you transform your bad habits into good habits, you will see the progress you are making as an individual. This feeling of success can become addictive or a habit in and of itself. Staying focused on progressing towards a more healthy, positive lifestyle will help you in your 63-day adventure as well as motivate you to replace your bad habits. Just stay positive and reap the benefits without focusing on the time it will take for your journey. The time will pass anyway so you might as well obtain new, positive behaviors in the process.
