Being forced to stay at home during lockdowns has compelled us to change our ways. It has given us time to pause and reflect. Habits, good and bad, are being questioned and altered. We are choosing what to “start, stop and continue.” Most of us are aware of the 21-day challenge to form a new habit. It doesn’t want to be 21 days. It can take some more time too. It can take 60 days or 90 days. Don’t judge the days. Start embracing the longer times too. It helps us to realize that habits are a process and not an event.
Few other things which may be helpful:
1. Start small: Take it one habit at a time. Break it down into smaller steps and follow them gradually.
2. Be consistent: Fix a specific time and place for the activity and show up, no matter what.
3. Don’t aim to be perfect: If we slip up occasionally and miss a day or two, move on and get back on track quickly.
4. Create accountability: Writing down our goals, measuring them daily, sharing with like-minded people will push us towards greater success.
5. Reward yourself: Gifting ourselves something we love when we reach milestones, however small, like having your favourite chocolate or going out for a movie.
At the end of the day, whether it takes 21 days or 60 days, we have to put in the work either way. The only way to get to Day 60 is to start with Day 1. So forget about the number and focus on doing the work. Go on, give it a try! There is no better time than now to break a bad habit or to adopt a healthy one.
