how to form a new habit

WHERE DO WE BEGIN?

We’ve all got that one thing we’d love to change (or start). But how many times have you told yourself you were going to study harder, go to the gym after work, or get up in the morning to go for a run? And how often did you actually do it?

Well, it might not be entirely your fault. Because habits are hard to make, and you need to give them time to set if you want to see permanent changes in your life.

WHY ARE HABITS SO TOUGH TO CHANGE?

Humans are, at our cores, creatures of instinct and habit. We find something that works for us, and we keep doing it. Unfortunately, even when our habits have become a hindrance rather than a help, we still want to keep doing them. If we get stressed and want to eat, we still want to do that even if our metabolism can’t handle that coping method anymore. If we want to smoke after a good meal, that response has been programmed into us. It’s our response to stimulus, and those responses take conscious effort to change.

Because we still remember when these habits were beneficial, or necessary, to get us through the day. Back when they helped us, rather than hurt us.

Deep down, we’re all Pavlov’s dogs. We associate the bell with food, so we start salivating. The major difference between us and the Russian pooches, though, is that we can recognize our habits, and take steps to alter them.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BREAK (OR SET) A HABIT?

This is the age-old question people have been trying to answer forever. Unfortunately, according to the Foundation for Economic Education, there is no one, right answer. Everyone is different, and we each work on a different scale when it comes to how long forming habits takes.

With that said, there are some things we know.

Generally speaking, it takes about 66 days (or a little over two months) of regular, concerted effort to set a new habit. However, that varies based on individual, and on the complexity and difficulty of the habit they’re trying to make. Something as simple as drinking a glass of water at a certain time of day became a habit for some participants in 20 days. On the other hand, morning exercise hadn’t become a habit by 80 days for others.

So while there is a general timeline, it’s important to remember that some habits will take longer for you. Others, though, might set in less than a month simply because of your determination to make that change. So don’t worry if you hit that two-month mark and it isn’t an instinct yet… you’ll get there.

FIGURE OUT WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU WITH THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN

The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all definition of success. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their life to look like. That is why it’s important to get clear on what that looks like for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you. 

Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out what success looks like for you. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
2. Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
3. Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step. 

We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.