We all have habits. But not all habits are created equal. We have good habits, and we have bad habits. Unfortunately, it seems like the bad habits are easier to form than the good habits. Probably because, even though they are bad for us, we tend to find them more enjoyable than what we consider good habits. Because thing about it. We don’t really consider something we enjoy doing a habit. It’s something we just do because we want to. But it is important to turn those good things into habits, and eventually from a habit into something we enjoy and look forward to.
Depending on the study you read, forming a habit can take anywhere from 2 to 8 months. I know. That’s a big difference. But it makes sense. Some of the things we do become a habit in what seems like overnight. Others? We make it through months and they are still a chore. Why?
With my time, I have a couple of “good” habits I’m trying to form. Unfortunately, some are going better than others. One of them is learning a new language. The first thing I try to do every morning, 7 days a week, is my French lesson through Duolingo. And the mornings I don’t for whatever reason, I make time at some point in the day. I have a streak of over 180 days.
The other good habit I’m trying to form is regular exercise. And I’m generous with myself. My goal is to exercise every morning, Monday through Friday, not every day. When I do exercise, I’m always glad I did. I feel energized and strangely refreshed afterward. But actually doing it is a challenge. Because I really don’t want to do it. While I’m always glad I did, exercise really is a 4-letter word to me. Any excuse I can come up with to skip I will take.
What’s the difference? One is an “I enjoy” and the other “I should.” So while the first has become habit seemingly overnight, the latter is still a struggle. Something I have to make myself do every day. But with those habits – that are good habits – that you are finding troublesome, keep at it. Remember, it can take up to 8 months for something to become habit. And you can turn them into parts of your days that are second nature.
