In yesterday’s blog, I talked about how we’re particularly keen to help people get to their 20th session.
As by that point we have, at least, started to form a habit.
You may have heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit.
Or maybe 56?
So, which is it?
From my experience it’s either, both or neither.
Habit formation varying considerably person to person and habit to habit.
After all, we’re not going to get into a habit of submitting our annual tax return on time after 28 days, are we?
It’s a number of repetitions, as opposed to days, if anything.
And how many reps it would take depends on things such as;
– How much we value it and the benefits it brings
– How much we enjoy doing it
– How hard it is to do
Stands to reason when you think about it.
If our doctors said that we had to take one tablet with breakfast every day for the rest of our lives, or we would die straight away…………
I’m pretty sure we would all develop that habit instantly.
If we had to run a marathon every day in order to drop 3lbs a year, I doubt we’d even start the first one.
So, if you’re looking to make something a habit, here’s a few considerations;
– Stack the value
Don’t just stop at “lose some weight” – write down (with a pen) every single possible benefit to the habit to you and everyone around you.
Which of these sounds more likely to motivate us to exercise?
“Lose some weight” or “more energy, better mood, more confidence at work, more patience with the kids, less aches and pains, sleep better, feel less groggy in the morning, less snappy, better sex life, don’t feel the need to cover up on holiday, example to the kids, more focussed and productive at work…….”
– Make it as enjoyable (or even tolerable) as possible
Do it with friends, in an environment you prefer, do a knowingly sub-optimal but more enjoyable version, etc
– Make it as easy as possible
Plan what’s needed, have things in place, get the buy in of those who affect it, put it in the diary, go for an easier to do or more convenient version, etc.
Ultimately, I can’t tell you how long it will take to form a habit.
But I can make some suggestions as to how to approach that in a way that makes it quicker and more likely.
Much love,
Jon ‘Sister Act 2’ Hall
P.S. After a form of exercise that is friendly, in an intimidation free environment and enjoyable whilst super effective (and also helps with everything outside of exercise)? Then you’ll find that at www.myrise.co.uk/apply
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RISE in Macclesfield was established in 2012 and specialise in Group Personal Training weight loss programmes for those that don’t like the gym and find diets boring and restrictive!
