Build a habit in only 21 days Published Jan. 18, 2007 By Senior Airman John Gordinier 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Everyone has bad habits, some more than others, and most people know what those bad habits are and what needs to be done to be rid of them, said Charles Glover, 20th Services Squadron fitness and sports director. According to scientific researchers, it takes approximately 21 days to build a habit. Mr. Glover said that's all the time the Shaw fitness and sports center staff needs to help people create a healthy habit, such as strength training, starting a new sport, or taking aerobic classes. Changing a bad habit to a good habit is a fairly simple process, Mr. Glover said. "The first step is deciding what you would like to do," Mr. Glover said. "But be careful in your decision. Don't bite off more than you can chew, which is why it is probably better to build one habit at a time." After deciding what challenge to perform, do it for 21 days, he said. "It's that simple. Of course, support may be necessary and it is always available from the fitness center," Mr. Glover said. The trick to building a habit is to replace an old habit with a new one, Mr. Glover said. For most people trying to pick up a new habit, they often fail because they don't assign the time necessary for the task, Mr. Glover said. They try to add a new habit into their already busy schedule. For instance, they start the habit for a few days but end up skipping a day or two because they feel they don't have the time necessary and ultimately give up, but if they replace an old habit, such as watching TV or talking on the phone, with a new habit, success is easier to achieve. Some might ask, "Why 21 days? What is so special about 21 days?" According to scientific researchers, after performing a challenge every day for 21 days it becomes a part of a person's life. It makes it easier to set aside time and a person accrues motivation to want to perform the task without the feeling of forcing oneself. "Now it is up to you," Mr. Glover said. "Change your old habits for new habits in 21 days and begin to see a new you."