The general wisdom seems to be that 21 days is a good general rule for creating a new behavior pattern. But a recent study indicates that the amount of time it takes to form a habit varies widely depending on the habit under discussion. Although some habits seem to be formed (subjectively speaking) within the 21 day period, others may take as long as a year to become established.
Ultimately though, it doesn't matter. Because creating a habit is really a change in behavior that takes conscious attention--for as long as it takes. And it is that conscious attention that is important, not how long it takes.
It does get easier as time goes by, as old habits are replaced with new ones. But as most ex-smokers or ex-alcoholics or former drug users can tell you, the temptation to return to old habits, or give up on new ones, never seems to quite disappear.
The only real choice we have at any given moment is to act consciously and choose our behavior, or to go unconscious and repeat our same old patterns.
So, I'm working on making blogging a habit. Hopefully it's a worthwhile habit--for me anyway. And I think it will improve my life, my writing, my opportunities to be creative and to share my wisdom, skills and talent with others.
Now, if I only had some readers ... :-)
Ultimately though, it doesn't matter. Because creating a habit is really a change in behavior that takes conscious attention--for as long as it takes. And it is that conscious attention that is important, not how long it takes.
It does get easier as time goes by, as old habits are replaced with new ones. But as most ex-smokers or ex-alcoholics or former drug users can tell you, the temptation to return to old habits, or give up on new ones, never seems to quite disappear.
The only real choice we have at any given moment is to act consciously and choose our behavior, or to go unconscious and repeat our same old patterns.
So, I'm working on making blogging a habit. Hopefully it's a worthwhile habit--for me anyway. And I think it will improve my life, my writing, my opportunities to be creative and to share my wisdom, skills and talent with others.
Now, if I only had some readers ... :-)
RSS Feed