66 Days

"66 days. That's the average time it took people to form a new habit according to a recent study at University College London." Health Magazine Jan/Feb 2013

I have also read in psychological journals that it takes 30 days for a new behavior to become habit.  In reviewing New Year's resolutions, ABC television said that most people fail in their resolutions before the end of the month of January.  So, it would appear that persistence is needed to make a new behavior a habit.  And, why would we even want to make it a habit?  Habits by their very nature take less energy for us.  We can do them without really thinking about them.  The behavior has become a part of our routine.  Did you make a resolution for the New Year?  Most people make resolutions to either exercise more or to lose weight.  It might be a good idea to make the new behavior you are attempting to turn into a habit - fun and simple.  Most of us give up on a new behavior because we have made the goal too big.  So, instead of planning to exercise 2 hours every day, when you perhaps have not exercised at all; plan instead to exercise 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.  A more attainable goal.  Whatever your goals, it is important to invest in your own well being.