How long does it take to change a habit or behavior? I have heard different estimates, from 21 days to 30 days in particular. Obviously, the longer we engage in a new behavior the more likely we are to change an ingrained habit or to add a new one.

If we want to make changes in our life we are better off setting a healthy and positive goal, and work to add a new habit, than we are to simply stop unhealthy behaviors.

There may be a habit or two that you are looking to change. If so, take this 30 day challenge to start a new behavior.

So, what new behavior do you want to incorporate in your life? Is is eating more fruit, reading more books, getting involved in a charity, sky diving?

It could be anything.

Start making change today by incorporating something new in your life. If it will help you, lay out how you’re going to achieve this goal step by step, but the important thing is that you take action.

Do what you have always wanted to do and experience the impact it will have in your life.

Whether you want to just add new experiences in your life or replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones, simply take a chance and go for it.

Watch this TED talk from Matt Cutts to learn more about the power of trying something new and sticking with it. This talk offers a neat way to think about setting and achieving goals.

Photo by Mike Baird, available under a Creative Commons attribution license.

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    Last reviewed: 14 Jul 2011