Enriching Psychology™: It DOESN'T Take 21 Days to Change a Habit

Sunday 19 February 2017

It DOESN'T Take 21 Days to Change a Habit

The idea that it takes 21 days to change a habit is based on a work in 1960 by a cosmetic surgeon named Maltz who surmised that it took at LEAST 21 days for an amputee to adjust to losing their limb. This knowledge was then extrapolated over the decades to mean that any habit could be changed after 21 days.

In 2009, study results published by Phillippa Lally in European Journal of Social Psychology found that rather than taking 21 days, study participants took anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit with an average of 66 days. The new 66-day rule has become a popular counterclaim to the original 21-day rule, but even this study was limited to a sample size of less than 100 volunteer participants.

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/2014/02/23/21-day-habit-formation-theory-is-myth-2

Danny Enright has over 20 years experience in Adult Education and 15 years in supervision and management. As a past board member of the British Columbia Organizational Development Network, and a student in the Langley Institute's "Diploma in Positive Psychology" program, Danny is fascinated by real-world, applicable insights into what makes individuals and groups successful, and how scientifically validated studies in positive psychology can enrich lives. Danny's efforts to understand his Tourette Syndrome has sparked his curiosity into the workings of the human mind, which have lead him to explore and apply revelations about neural-plasticity, positive habit formation, behavioural intervention techniques, self-awareness practices, and strengths analysis and utilization. Danny has moonlighted as an improv comedian and comedy writer, but for good reason, he has not given up his passion for his day job, and studying (and sharing) how to live an enriched life.

Words and Concepts

Acareability™... a combination of the words "Accountability" and "Care". It's when your friends family and colleagues lovingly hold you to the commitments you made. They have no vested interest in the results; only in your ultimate happiness and flourishing.

Talkwondo™... a "verbal martial arts" strategy that involves doing all you can to reduce friction in dialogue, and like other martial arts, provides ways to respond if the previous level of intervention did not work. Ends with strong verbal words that remain calm, but put you in control of the conversation.

Enriching Psychology™ is a reframing of the study of Positive Psychology, as well as the wisdom of timeless philosophers, ancient mystics and modern sciences. Sometimes our greatest selves evolve when faced with great challenges or strong questions, which enrich us and our circles to move to our next greatest selves.