Painful Truth #1
Attempting to set goals is wasted effort if we don’t implement the right habits first.

What does the research tell us about how long it takes to develop a new habit?
It can vary widely depending on the individual, the complexity of the habit, and the consistency of our practice.

The commonly cited figure for forming a new habit comes from a study conducted by Phillippa Lally and her colleagues at University College London.

The research, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology in 2009, found that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic for the participants in their study.

The 66-day average is just a general guideline. Habits can range anywhere from a few weeks to several months to solidify.

Other factors that influence how long it takes to develop a habit include:

• Frequency
  The more consistently you practice the behavior, the quicker it may become a habit.

• Complexity
  Simpler habits might be easier to form than complex ones that require more effort and cognitive resources.

• Personal Motivation
  If you are highly motivated to develop a habit, you might adopt it more rapidly.

• Previous Habits
  If the new habit aligns with your existing routines or builds upon other established habits, it might be easier to develop.

• Environmental Factors
  A supportive culture can positively impact your habit formation.

• Setbacks
  It's natural to experience setbacks or lapses when forming a new habit. Consistency over time is what matters most. Be patient with yourself during the habit-forming process and do not get discouraged if it takes longer than you expected.
  
  Focus instead on making incremental progress and staying committed to your goal(s).

• Celebrate
  Take in your small wins along the way. Remember that forming a new habit is a gradual process that requires time, effort, and perseverance. So, be patient and persistent with yourself!

 

Painful Truth #2
Not everyone is a friend. Toxic people are like dust mites. They’re everywhere. Having a horrible person in your circle reflects on you and your mental health. Get rid of them.

Painful Truth #3
Be your toughest critic. Set your performance bar extremely high.
You’ll never need to worry about job security. Opportunities will seek you out. Someone is always watching.

Painful Truth #4
We feel lazy sometimes.
Productivity isn’t about working nonstop, but about being smarter with how we allocate our time.

Accepting these hard truths are crucial to our self-improvement.

Let’s embrace these truths and move on!

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