While many do not consider the importance of habit development when it comes to goal achievement, those that do unfortunately are subject to the many great myths which surround the topic. In this episode, Martin and I review and dispel four monster myths about positive habit formation.
1. It takes 21 days to develop a habit.
This originated decades ago with, Psycho Cybernetics a terrific book by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. While it does not take 21 days to develop a habit it is safe to say you can START to develop a habit in 21 days. According to a study from the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes, on average, 66 days. Research tells us though that it depends upon all sorts of criteria including; desire, skill and knowledge related to any particular habit.
2. Cue- Routine-Reward
Cue, routine, reward and the related, "habit-loop" were largely popularized by The Power of Habit. The habit loop helps to illustrate what triggers and environments have been supporting past behaviors (habits) but the habit loop fails to provide any guidance about how to actually form good habits intentionally. Cue, routine, reward may address half the battle but leaves out the significance of TRACKING and REASSESSING as well as using Target Days, Minimum Success Criteria and Tracking Periods, all which help greatly when developing good habits and constitute P.A.R.R.
3. Consecutive Days
Positive habit development is NOT an all or nothing proposition. In fact, the study referrenced above supports something that The Habit Factor introduced over five years ago, that you can and should use Target Days to develop habits and that habit development depends far more upon consistency over time than consecutive days.
4. All habits will last forever once established.
People often view habits as static and unchanging. Habits do need to be maintained, but it's important to constantly reevaluate your life and your goals to make sure that your habits remain aligned with your goals. As your life progresses your goals will change and its likely you'll want to reassess what habits you will need to help you achieve those goals. This is why habit tracking and the PARR methodology are so important!
Four Monster Myths on Habit Development