You’ve probably heard that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. In reality, this process takes significantly longer. Recent research has shown 66 days is the average amount of time it takes for a new habit to develop, though this varies widely on the person, the behavior and the circumstances. This isn’t cause for alarm; after you’ve overcome the internal resistance that often accompanies new habit development, a new behavior pattern is formed through repetition and reinforcement and things start to get easier. Thinking about going to the gym becomes going to the gym. Feeling overwhelmed by email is replaced by automatically sorting it as you go. Once the habit is ingrained, the decision-making part of your brain is no longer required there, and effectively goes to sleep. There’s a stimulus and a response, no need for thought.
That means the task—or in some cases, the preparation for the task--- becomes automated, freeing you up to focus on something that requires your attention. As entrepreneurs, we can all name plenty of things that fall into that category.
To continue exploring this conversation IRL, join top startup founders and experts on Thursday, April 14th for April’s Northside Innovation Meetup discussing how software can aid in habit hacking. RSVP here.
Complimentary dinner and drinks!
Speakers:
Jason Kincaid | Writer & Performer
Vicky Hsu | Co-founder | Habitica
Louis DeMenthon | Co-founder | Eat This Much
Brett Newton and Noah Edward | Co-founders | be.vision
Michael Schneider | Founder & CEO | Service
Schedule:
7:00 - 7:30pm - Doors open. Grab a beer and a seat!
7:30 - 8:00pm - Panel discussion
8:00 - 9:30pm - Drinks, food and mingle
