21 Days to Build a Habit
December 14, 2020
Bad habits and good habits are one in the same. They will both make an impact on how goals, experiences, relationships, and daily life is achieved.
You weren't born knowing to brush your teeth every day - you learned it, engrained it, and kept it up (I hope). It's a daily 'effort' to go to the bathroom, pick up the toothbrush, put on the toothpaste, and monotonously brush for a couple minutes each day a couple times a day. Some days we don't even realize we've done it because it's so engrained in us. Before we can notice - it's over. It's like we've been on autopilot!
Did you know that it only takes 21 days to undo AND create a habit? It can seem like a lot but think about not brushing your teeth for 21 days and it no longer being part of your routine - that is genuinely absurd to me. How can something I've done every day 2-4+ times a day for my entire life be undone in 21 days?
This should give you hope.
This means that 42 years of unhealthy eating patterns can be undone in 21 days. 17 years of sitting on the couch can turn to walking 15,000 steps every day in under a month.
How amazing is that?
The first couple days are the hardest. 21 days might not be 22 years but you still have to work to break that habit each of those days. Sometimes ALONG with replacing it with a new one.
We can try to take on too much which is why a lot of the time we try and then fail. We are a society of quick fixes and fast results so patience isn't a strong suit. 21 days when you have 15 horrible habits can be discouraging so lots of people try to fix 2-3+ bad habits at a time. My biggest advice is - work on one habit for 21 days. In just under a year you could have 15 habits broken and replaced instead of being on your 15th try and fail.
Do it slow. If you're wanting to be a better eater - you don't have to cut out anything cold turkey.
Example: Try reducing and replacing your processed sugar intake for 21 days. The next 21 maybe your diet has too much fat in it so lowering it, replacing it, and finding healthy alternatives is the next goal. After those you've realised the amount you're eating is too much for your height and weight - the next 21 days is about GRADUALLY reducing your caloric intake to a maintenance THEN a deficit and seeing how you feel. The reduce in processed sugar and saturated fats in the previous 2 months will help defeat those craving helping you stay on track!
You could only be 21 days away from your first goal <3
