Why It Takes Practice to Build a Habit

Do you remember what it was like learning to ride a bike or tie your shoes? At first it was probably hard, but with consistent practice it became second nature. The reason for that is simple. It takes time for your brain to adapt to new things, but once it does it sure doesn't forget them easily.

This is why bad habits can be hard to break, but it's also the key to making new ones. Our brains are adaptable, and neuronal connections can grow and regrow throughout the lifespan, leading to new thoughts and new behaviors. The way we make those new neuronal connections is through repetition!

According to Hebb's Rule, a theory developed by neuropsychologist Donald Hebb, every time one neuron fires another, their bond grows. In other words, the more those neurons fire together, the more they are wired together. Firing once creates a weak bond, but every subsequent firing makes that bond stronger.

So, if you want to build a new habit, you have to repeat it! Along the way, you may fall off the bike a few times or tie your shoelaces too loosely, but don't give up. Your brain needs time to follow through on your healthy intentions. Keep trying and keep experimenting. Learn from your mistakes, stay positive, and know that eventually what feels hard to do now will one day become second nature.