66 days…that, my friends, is the magic number of days it takes to form a habit, so the experts say. If you have the discipline to make a change, chances are it will take a little over two months to add it to your routine. There are so many tasks we already do on auto-pilot: brush teeth, make coffee, walk the dog, check email. These are things that don’t get missed because they are ingrained in our minds, bodies and routines.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
Beginning a new habit may seem overwhelming, particularly when there is a learning curve. Our advice is to just do a little bit at a time, at the same time every day. Even if it’s just setting aside 15 to 20 minutes, start with a list of ideas, resources or tools that may help you, then create a schedule for yourself. That’s how I started my meditation habit, and many others.
Taking that approach in the workplace works, as well. At insight180, we are documenting and refreshing our procedures and processes for different project types and customer engagements. It’s a big undertaking, particularly with competing demands on our time and attention. Still, we are loving the results and have started setting aside two hours weekly for the sole purpose of “process.” As we work “on” the business, we are creating habits that help us prepare for, respond to and better serve our clients and each other.
And, we’ve helped some of our clients create habits for posting on LinkedIn, prompting them to plan (or at least think about) their own content and thought leadership priorities, to write and to post as a habit to stay engaged.
It may seem daunting to add a new habit to your routine, but it is definitely doable. You just have to begin. The first step is deciding to create a habit. The second step is scheduling it – preferably at the same time every day. Find a way to track and mark it down (think a big red X or gold star on your calendar, a sticky note on your mirror, setting a daily timer/reminder, or using an online app). It sounds silly, but visual reminders are very motivating. And third, reward yourself for significant milestones (one week, 30 days, 66 days).
Are you looking for some additional tips? Check out these techniques on how to get started with forming your habit by Leo Babauta, whose ZenHabits blog is still one my favorites.
