66 Days...

Habits....For better or for worse...

I have always heard it takes 21 days (of repetition) to develop a habit. After doing the same thing for 21 days in a row, you can officially take a day or two off and still not break your habit.

Unfortunately, this is WRONG!!!

Scientist have proven that on average it takes roughly 66 days to develop a habit. (reference) Of course this all depends on your age and a few other factors. 66 days to develop a habit, now that makes more since!

Stop right now and ask yourself, what habit do I need to break and what habit do I need to take on.

I am a firm believer that when you put something down (a bad habit), you pick another thing (good or bad habit) back up. Pick up a good habit and take the next 66 days to achieve it.

Here's a great way to spend the next 66 days that could possibly change your life!

Days 1-20:
Make your goal obnoxious! Write it on your mirror, set alarms, buy all the equipment/stuff you'll need, post about it on social media, have a kick-off party and invite your friends! Whatever it takes to get others involved with you. The more people asking about your goal (everyday) the better. Accountability is half the battle!
During this time refine your schedule and completely define your goal. Write it out in full. Smart goals are a great way to do this. (Check out S.M.A.R.T. Goals Here)

Days 21-40:
Add something new to your goal. Start blogging about it. Pick-up a new book about it. Get one more piece of equipment for it. Change up your routine just a little. If your goal involves running, go a different way. If it's involves eating better, try a new dish. Variety is the key for these next 20 days. Spice it up a little! Secondly, it's starting to get harder so start thinking back to why you wanted to achieve this goal in the first place. This is the time to really look long term and truly visualize the person you're becoming.

Days 41-60:
You're almost there! This is the final lap! Time to really push hard! There's a light at the end of the tunnel, however you still have to run through it! Reach back out to those who are supporting you and have a few mini celebrations with them. Celebrate that you're almost there! This is the time to crank it up a notch as well. Wake up a few minutes earlier. Put a little more weight on the bar. Go a mile or two further. You're almost done!

Days 61-66:
Celebrate and achieve! You've made it! Tell everyone how far you've come! Let everyone know you've accomplished your goal! (Side note - Don't stop on day 62 or for that matter day 66.) You have overcome a lot! Now keep going and start a new habit! Refine and define where it is you're going now and go there! You are Awesome!!!

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." You have everything you need to develop good habits already embedded within you. There is power in the word of God and there is power in the Holy Spirit living within you.

"You can not change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future." -Dr. A.P.G. Abdul Kalam

You've made a habit...keep going!