What is the 21-day rule?
As Addicted2Success.com states, if you want to make a long-term or even permanent change in your behaviour, you must consciously keep any new habit for at least 21 days. The time of course will differ according to the type and frequency of the habit, but this is the average time which may serve as a rule of thumb.
So, for example, if you decide you want to run for an hour in the morning of every second day, at the beginning you may need to force yourself to do this but, after 21 days, the new activity becomes routine, a permanent habit your body and mind are used to.
How to use the rule in practice?
First of all, the rule serves as a psychological aid. If you want to stop smoking, for example, you may be appalled at the idea of stopping once and for all. But if you know the 21-day rule, you will realise the most important thing is to overcome the first (and most difficult) 21 days, after which not smoking becomes a norm.
The rule will also help you appreciate it takes some time for a habit to settle. You will thus be less demotivated if you still need to force yourself somewhat after two weeks of following your new habit.
At the same time, any changes must be gradual and you should first let one habit "settle" for the above-mentioned 21 days before starting more new ones. Do not try to change totally your life or way of working all at once. Introduce a new habit and follow it at least 21 days. Only after this period should you begin acquiring another habit.
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