We’ve all heard at least a million times that “experts agree that it only takes about three to six weeks” to form a new habit.
That’s only true if the new habit is…
…taking a multi-vitamin…or using dental floss, or remembering to gas up the car every Monday morning.
(Here’s the new Opinion Research Corp survey for Nestle’s Pure Life that got me started on this topic.)
It’s all about the sticky note!
These habits are really nothing more than simply forming the habit of remembering. Usually all it takes is a sticky note on the bathroom mirror.
The new “habit” takes little time, little new knowledge, and doesn’t require adjusting other parts of your life.
Lifestyle habits are different
The ORC survey above found that regular people – not experts – believe new habits take at least six months to form, possibly longer.
I think they’re right. Most of the lifestyle habits people really want take sustained effort for months and years. And even then, many folks quickly lose these new habits when the context changes.
- For example, I have quite a few friends who say they’re non-smokers. It’s true – unless they’re in a bar, where they automatically light up.
- And what about people say they’ve overhauled how they eat? It’s true – until the holidays, when family tensions spark two straight months of emotional eating.
How long do your customers take to form new health and wellness habits?
I’d like to know more about what and your staff see in your business. Add your comment by this Thurs., April 9 at 5 p.m. Central and you could win a $100 DonorsChoose gift card!
Have you cracked the code on embedding new habits in your clients, customers and members in just a few weeks?
What are your thoughts and observations about lifestyle habits and how people do (and don’t) form them?
Reminder: post by this Thurs., April 9 at 5 p.m. Central to enter the drawing for a $100 DonorsChoose gift card.
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