Three Weeks To Build New Habits

According to conventional wisdom, it takes three weeks to build a habit. That particular timeframe has been attributed to plastic surgeon Dr. Maxwell Maltz, who noted that on average, it took only 21 days for amputees to adjust to the loss of a limb. His conjecture was that if individuals could overcome such a profound challenge in only three weeks, they could adapt to most any major life change in a similar timeframe.

And so we are testing Maltz’s theory. Reflecting on the unfathomable changes in our lives over the past three, four, or five weeks, we are indeed adjusting to immense and far-reaching impacts. We have formed a whole new set of daily habits (and broken some lifelong ones).

Did any of us have an inkling of how frequently we touch our face?

Adapting to a strange (and scary) new world

Our days include an entirely new set of routines. Wiping down groceries. Maintaining six (or 10 or 12) feet from others outside of our homes. Disinfecting countertops with focused attention. Sanitizing appropriately without being wasteful of hard-to-procure supplies. Donning gloves to take in delivered packages. And actually counting to 20 when washing our hands.

Time passes slowly in isolation. With limited choices, we are open to activities we may have disparaged a mere two months ago. Bathing the dog at home. Playing ancient board games or trying a hand at crossword puzzles. Purging basements, closets or garages that have been ignored for years. Anything for a distraction.

A whole lotta learning

Faced with challenges we need to overcome, we are conquering new technology for working, networking and socializing remotely … including how to host a Passover Seder on Zoom (or, in the case of my 90 year old father, learning to use FaceTime). Home-schooling our kids. Honing long-untapped skills in the kitchen.

Minimizing waste. Finding creative ways to use slightly wrinkled vegetables, instead of tossing them. Replacing paper towels with microfiber cloths for cleaning. And — dare we say it? Yes, counting toilet paper squares.

How did it ever come to this?

Inspiration for the future

Obviously, we haven’t had much freedom of choice over recent weeks. Rather, our days have been filled with anxiety, stress and fear. But, like the subjects in Dr. Maltz’s research, we are adapting.

Consider how far we have progressed from our natural comfort zones.

As Americans, we have adapted — solving problems with creativity, welcoming unconventional approaches, mastering new skills, applying focus and discipline.

If we can make such extraordinary changes to our daily lives, imagine the possibilities. Yes, there will be lasting impacts on our businesses. But we have an abundance of pent-up energy, creativity and passion to move forward.

We have proven that we have the strength to overcome. Let’s put those new habits to good use and once the doors are open, run forward at full speed.