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How the 21/90 Rule Can Help You Build Lasting Habits
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Hey there,
Have you ever heard of the 21/90 rule? It’s one of those simple, yet powerful ideas that can help you stick to a new habit and turn it into something that lasts. Let’s dive into how it works—and how you can make it work for you.
What’s the 21/90 Rule?
The idea behind the 21/90 rule is straightforward: Commit to a personal or professional goal for 21 straight days, and after three weeks, it will become a habit. But that’s just the first part. If you can then continue with that habit for another 90 days, it’ll become a lifestyle.
Sounds pretty simple, right? It might be! But of course, there's more to the story.
Why 21 Days?
The idea that it takes 21 days to form a habit has been around for decades, but it comes from the work of Dr. Maxwell Maltz (a plastic surgeon who noticed that patients took about 21 days to adjust to changes in their appearance). Over time, self-improvement experts took this idea and applied it to habit formation in general.
Now, before you get too excited, know this: recent research shows that habits might take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to truly “stick.” The good news? That 21-day mark is still a solid starting point—it gives you enough time to adjust, without feeling like it’s an impossible task.
The Next 90 Days: Turning a Habit into a Lifestyle
Once you hit the 21-day mark, the challenge isn’t over. This is where the 90-day period comes into play. By continuing with your new habit for another three months, you’ll solidify it into your daily routine. At this point, the habit starts to become automatic—something you do without even thinking about it.
Why the 21/90 Rule Works
There’s a reason this rule works for so many people: it’s realistic. We often get overwhelmed by the idea of changing our lives or building a new routine. But breaking it down into a 21-day challenge followed by a longer 90-day commitment feels a lot more achievable.
How to Make It HappenThe 21/90 rule is a great way to approach change. By sticking with it for the long haul, you’ll give yourself the best shot at not just forming a habit but creating a lifestyle that lasts.
You’ve got this!
Cheers to your new habits,
Here are a few tips to help you stick to the 21/90 rule:
Start small: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change too much at once. Pick one habit to focus on.
Stay consistent: Try to do your new habit at the same time each day to help lock it in.
Track your progress: Keep a journal or checklist to stay accountable.
Celebrate small wins: Reward yourself for hitting milestones—it’ll keep you motivated!
The 21/90 rule is a great way to approach change. By sticking with it for the long haul, you’ll give yourself the best shot at not just forming a habit but creating a lifestyle that lasts.
You’ve got this!
Cheers to your new habits,

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