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Behavior change happens in stages, sometimes quickly, sometimes it takes longer. Some people may have a lightning bolt experience, and just wake up one day having decided to make a change, and then just carry it out. But the norm is 6 weeks to 6 months. The people who study behavior change have come up with a model that breaks things down into 5 (rather predictable) stages.
1. Precontemplation: You avoid the issue, probably tune out when other people are talking about it.
2. Contemplation: You're starting to think about changing, usually within 6 months of taking action.
3. Preparation: You're getting your facts together, usually within a month of making change
4. Action: Measurable, visible, tangible activity in the desired direction- usually the 1st 6 months
5. Management: When a new habit's set in, and the change is accomplished
(and some add 6: termination... when it's so ingrained you don't even think about it anymore.)
If something's made it to your list of New Year's intentions, you're probably in the preparation stage, or maybe even the action stage. Now, any one of these stages can be shortened, but generally it takes 6 weeks of really regular practicing of a new behavior to replace an old habit with a new one.
So how does this apply to YOUR habit? (or my pet habit change for the planet- going green?) We want you to have patience with yourself, and to think about changing your habits over time- not all at once, ya hear? Give yourself points for each time you remember a behavior shift, but try to really focus on one habit at a time, and then carry that forward as you move into the next step. And be compassionate with yourself. Say: "I am changing a long term habit, and rewiring my brain." We want long term success! No getting down on yourself for setbacks, just lovingly make a different choice the next time around.
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