Habits are the basis of all human nature. Truly. The way we learned to walk was trying again and again until we were able to do it and then eventually mastered it. It became a habit. The same can be said for learning to talk, riding a bike, or any of the other hundreds of things you do on a regular basis. Everything you do on a regular basis is a habit that you have perfected.
Now, the word “habit” is neither positive nor negative. We all have habits we consider good and we all have habits that we consider bad. However, both are created the same way in our brains—through consistent practice and repetition.
There is a quote that says something to the effect of, “Bad habits are easy to acquire and hard to break. However, good habits are hard to acquire and easy to break.” Truly, this phrase should be rewritten as “Old habits are easy to acquire and hard to break. New habits are hard to acquire and easy to break.” This is because the habits that have been ingrained in us for years have become part of our internal programming. Learning new habits, especially ones that counteract our older habits, takes a lot of discipline, determination, and dedication.
However, new habits can be formed. Studies have shown that it takes at least 21 days to change or create a habit. This is 21 consecutive days, including weekends and holidays. So whatever it is you want to change in your life, now is the time to start. Choose one habit that you want to create—one that is going to increase the quality of life you have today—and do it for the next 21 days. Start right now. Make today day one.
If you do this, 21 days from now you will see a shift that will become a positive part of your life.
Live Life,
Bert Oliva