It all depends where you look, as some people suggests it can take a minimum of 21 days and up to an average of 66 days to dissolve a past habit in order to replace it with a new one. In fact, some researchers suggest that new habit forming can take up to 254 days – not a very motivating fact. But the good news is that it’s easier to start a new habit instead of focusing on breaking an old one.
So, during these unusual work times, working in the spare room, home schooling the kids, tasking the dog out for a lunch time walk, are positive new habit-forming activities that we can capitalise upon. Good mental health experts recommend that we stick with our waking up and commuting routines and fill the space with some feel good activities that will make you feel good. I’ve started doing a morning meditation and getting all the last-night dishes put away before my working day begins. If you choose a new habit that aligns with your values or your personal aspirations, then you’ll find it even easier to adopt.
Whilst many of us don’t have a choice in our work-life routine we do have control over where we work, how we work and what is our new way of working. “Necessity is the mother of invention” so what a great time to re-invent yourself and the way you work. If you’ve not thought about it yet, I’d like to set you a personal challenge of finding 3 things in how you live your life that you’d like to start, 3 things that you believe will make you feel more positive, motivated, happier, stronger and ultimately more in control with your life.
Let me know how you get on and if you’d like some support, then get in touch for a one-off coaching session or ask me for a copy of my free Making and Breaking New Habits resource.