[Blue_Bird]

A lot of people say it takes about 21 days to make or break a habit, in general. I'm not talking about drug addiction or things of that nature, just things like routine, hygiene, etc.

Who wants to join me in this? You can have any goal you want. I have a tendency to go overboard and make way too many goals at once so I'm just going to pick brushing my teeth. I want to do that thoroughly 2 times a day.

Feel free to jump in!

[Tsukiko]

I wanna join you. Establishing a bed time and meditating at a set time will be my two goals. I'd like to get to bed at midnight each evening and I'll meditate each morning at 8 a.m. This is a large undertaking, but the way things are going now, it's gotta be done.

[unaluna]

I have 3 days of exercise done! I should join you on the toothbrushing.

[Finniky]

The "21 days" thing became popular from a 1960's self help book lol. The plastic surgeon that made that statement lacked scientific basis or study, it's basis is that it took his patients a "minimum of 21 days" to get used to their new face. However a bunch of self-help book writers started writing in their books that it took about 21 days as a result, and it took off.

The leading 2010 study on 96 people forming a new habit finds that it takes some only 18 days at the least, and others as much as 264 days. The average between participants in the study to form a new habit was 66 days, or about 2 months, for the new habit to actually feel automatic. It also depends on the habit itself.

Anyway, I've begun exercising (not daily) and brushing my teeth daily. It's going okay. Brushing every day for over a month now! Still feels a little forced. Exercising I've been doing 3 days a week for two weeks successfully. I think it's going to take me more than a month to feel like it's an everyday thing, rather than feeling like "I have to do this". But I'm hopeful and I'm gonna keep going!

[Blue_Bird]

Day 1 complete, I brushed, flossed, and used mouthwash 2 times today. Eventually I have to get up the nerve to go to the dentist and see if I have any cavities.

How's everyone doing so far?

[Tsukiko]

Day 1 - in bed by 12 but not asleep until 1.
Meditated at 8!

We're off to a good start.

[unaluna]

I started early - Sunday - so this is day 5 of exercise for me. Even though it is hot and humid and I feel like carp! I know tomorrow I will feel even worse I just have to hold on until they open the pool; then it will start to get easier.

[Blue_Bird]

Great job everyone!

Day 2 complete, now to set up an appointment with a dentist soon

[KoalaBP]

Originally Posted by Finniky

The "21 days" thing became popular from a 1960's self help book lol. The plastic surgeon that made that statement lacked scientific basis or study, it's basis is that it took his patients a "minimum of 21 days" to get used to their new face. However a bunch of self-help book writers started writing in their books that it took about 21 days as a result, and it took off.

The leading 2010 study on 96 people forming a new habit finds that it takes some only 18 days at the least, and others as much as 264 days. The average between participants in the study to form a new habit was 66 days, or about 2 months, for the new habit to actually feel automatic. It also depends on the habit itself.

Anyway, I've begun exercising (not daily) and brushing my teeth daily. It's going okay. Brushing every day for over a month now! Still feels a little forced. Exercising I've been doing 3 days a week for two weeks successfully. I think it's going to take me more than a month to feel like it's an everyday thing, rather than feeling like "I have to do this". But I'm hopeful and I'm gonna keep going!

So interesting! Thanks for sharing this. I've built my whole goal list / plan around the 21 day idea. Back to the drawing board...

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by KoalaBP

So interesting! Thanks for sharing this. I've built my whole goal list / plan around the 21 day idea. Back to the drawing board...

You don't have to start over. No one claimed it was scientifically right or wrong is just what I've heard , it's really different for everyone. It could be a 30 day challenge, whatever you want really then reward yourself if you complete it

Sent from my A463BG using Tapatalk

[KoalaBP]

Thanks Blue_Bird! You're right. I think I'll stick with the 21 days then

PS. Sorry for your loss!

[Tsukiko]

Day 2 a success! *high fives all around*

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

[Finniky]

Originally Posted by KoalaBP

So interesting! Thanks for sharing this. I've built my whole goal list / plan around the 21 day idea. Back to the drawing board...

It is different for everyone, no reason to change your view! 21 days is a good marker to have. Even if it doesn't feel like the action is set in stone after 21 days, it just proves that you can keep up with it and you're well on your way to a lifelong change. Plus, the habit itself plays a part. Making a habit of drinking only water at lunch, for example, is easier than beginning a daily work out routine, so that can effect the curve of getting used to it.

I only made that comment because I knew about this topic from my college class "Changes and Choices". I wasn't trying to ruin morale by any means!

[unaluna]

Day 7 of exercise for me. I bought a "smart wonder core" on amazon idk a month or two ago? But I got sidetracked when they set a date for my apartment reinspection, because I can get tired out on it. It's like mini recumbent stepper. Yesterday I just walked (from returning the car) because I also had to drive a good distance, but by this morning I was ready again for my usual workout. This thread is a big help. Since I got a new phone this week and lost my calendar, this is the only place I'm recording.

[Blue_Bird]

Awesome Unaluna!

Day 4 for me, I need a new toothbrush. Will pick one up when I'm shopping for stuff for my new apartment

[Blue_Bird]

Onto day 5. I think if I make it through 21 days I will reward myself, but I don't know with what though

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

Onto day 5. I think if I make it through 21 days I will reward myself, but I don't know with what though

Ya know, some of the habits we are doing contain their own rewards. If I brush my teeth, hopefully my gums will look better. And I'll be able to kiss somebody first thing in the morning without worrying about morning breath. This morning I took my garbage out and noticed I was walking pretty briskly for me! After just one week. That's a YUGE win seriously.

Eta - after 21 days of exercise I should be able to catch somebody to kiss!

[Blue_Bird]

You're right Unaluna there are rewards in the habits/lifestyle changes themselves.

Just did my nightly brushing and flossing. Need to get some more mouthwash tomorrow.

Sent from my A463BG using Tapatalk

[Blue_Bird]

Day 6

[unaluna]

I think I'm two days ahead? Anyway, day 11 I was reallly tired so I just cooked vegetables all day. Thursday day 12 i minibiked indoors for over an hour, and Friday day13 I walked a bit - not far, but pretty fast, and noticed I wasn't getting out of breath. Today - day 14 - will minibike and do chores.

Originally Posted by Finniky

The leading 2010 study on 96 people (...) The average between participants in the study to form a new habit was 66 days, or about 2 months, for the new habit to actually feel automatic.

Thank you for this! This seems more realistic to me. Of course it is important to try to form a habit over 21 days, it seems near enough to want to try. It is still important to know that one hasn't failed if one have to use more time.

I go for the 21 days + follow up for those who need it. I was actually looking for a place where I could share my struggles by forming a habit and where I at the same time could cheer up others.

I'll go for it!

Day 1

I know there is a "cleaning thread", but I have never felt the encouragement in forming a habit there.

I need support while I try to form new habits with keeping my home in order (you should have seen it ).

This is my first day with FlyLady (for free). I need to get my home and health in order. She tells me that June is the month were I need to take care of my need for enough water. I have filled my bottle and will continue with that for the rest June.

She tells me that I shall start my first day in the kitchen by cleaning the sink

Well, since I have decided to follow this program for good clean- and health habits I have to start ..., and off I go!!

[KoalaBP]

Good luck Singer!!

Day 2

Thank you so much KoalaBP and Thousand thank yous to Blue Bird who started this thread. It means so much to me to belong to some sort of group while building new habits. The FlyLady's habits are not new to me, but "forgotten". I hope to have them rebuilt now that I found a group working with building habits.

Information for those who wish to know what I'm trying to do: Flylady guides me (through her general information) through 31 beginner steps/-days, adding a little more each day. This does not mean that I have to work with 31 habits each taking 21 days to learn. No, that is not how it works. One starts with shining ones sink on day 1. Day 2 continues with giving hint about personal morning routines ("fix your hair and face, too").

Each day she will send me reminders (e-posts) about to wash my face, dress properly (to feel good about myself), remember to plan dinner (eat properly), do what has to be done in the home (15 minutes each day), go to bed at a decent time and so on.

Her secret for success is what she calls "baby steps" (small changes at a time):
1) Establish small routines first and then work up to more items.
2) Consistency is the key to all of this.
3) Take your time and enjoy the process. (Don’t feel pressured to do it all at once. This is worth going slow).

If someone felt bored by reading this, that's OK. I have found something that might work for me and I wish all of you all the best with your habits that you are trying to establish!

[KoalaBP]

I love your tips Singer!! I will apply them to my goal too. I think I'll save your list on my phone and read it once a day to keep me focused.

So my goal started today. I think I've told everyone about it before but here it is specific and measurable (that's what all the goal setting blogs / articles say to do).

GOAL #1: Do one chore each night after dinner and meal plan on Saturday mornings.
Sun - Laundry
M - Kitchen
T - Living Room
W - Bedroom
Th - Bathroom
F - Hallway / Pantry
Sat - Beauty Night (take a day off and pamper myself as a reward for all my hard work!)

I have three weeks to do this everyday and then I will treat myself to a manicure & pedicure at the nail shop. I have a calendar white board to track my progress on and will mark a star on each day if I accomplish my goal.

I'm telling you all of this so you can keep me accountable. I'll post back on how it's going in a week or so.