Have you ever tried to start a new habit? Maybe you’ve tried to exercise more, eat healthier, or wake up earlier. If so, you may have heard of the 21-day habit formation strategy. The idea is simple: if you do something for 21 days straight, it will become a habit. But is this really true? Let’s dive deeper into this popular idea to see if it’s a myth or a miracle.

What Is the 21-Day Habit Formation Strategy?

The 21-day habit formation strategy says that if you do something every day for 21 days, it will become a habit. This idea comes from a book published in the 1960s by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. He noticed that it took about 21 days for his patients to get used to seeing their new face after surgery. This observation sparked the idea that it takes 21 days to form a new habit.

Is It a Myth or a Miracle?

The truth is, it’s a bit of both. Let’s break it down.

The Miracle Side

There’s something magical about sticking to a new action for 21 days. First, it gives you a clear goal. Instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” you say, “I will exercise every day for the next 21 days.” This makes your goal clear and easy to understand.

Second, 21 days is a short enough time that it feels doable, but long enough that you can start to see changes. You might start to feel more energized from daily exercise, or feel better in your clothes from healthier eating.

The Myth Side

While the 21-day habit strategy can be helpful, it’s not a one-size-fits-all rule. Research shows that how long it takes to form a habit can vary widely from person to person. For some people, it might take only 18 days to form a habit. For others, it might take up to 254 days. So while 21 days can be a good starting point, don’t be discouraged if it takes you longer to form a new habit.

A Better Way to Think About Habits

Instead of focusing on a specific number of days, it might be more helpful to think about habits in a different way. Habits are formed when we repeat an action over and over until it becomes automatic. The more we repeat the action, the stronger the habit becomes.

This means that consistency is key. Whether it takes you 21 days or 200 days to form a new habit, the most important thing is to keep going. Even if you miss a day, don’t give up. Just start again the next day.

So, is the 21-day habit formation strategy a myth or a miracle? The answer is, it’s a little bit of both. While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, it can be a helpful guideline when you’re trying to form a new habit. Remember, the most important thing is consistency. Whether it takes you 21 days or 200 days, keep going. You’re creating a healthier and happier you, and that’s something to be proud of.