Apparently, it takes 21 days to form new habits. Some studies claim it takes longer. However, the American psychologist, Dr Brian King, believes that there are numerous factors that play a role when it comes to new habits, including the feeling of reward after completing an action or task. The bigger the reward or the better it makes you feel, the easier it will be for you to make the specific action or task a habit. King believes that it is, therefore, not necessarily possible to determine exactly how long it will take before something becomes an established habit.

 

On New Year’s Eve, I decided that this year I was going to try to worry less about everything and everyone. As we sat on the porch celebrating the old and new year, I told my husband that I am going to try to worry less about the things I can’t control.

 

It is now March. Did I manage to worry less? Not at all. The year has barely started and I am already worrying about things related to work, home and especially our baby. I may as well admit it: it is definitely not a habit that I am going to unlearn quickly or easily. However, I did realise that I could try to beat the habit. When I worry about things related to work or family, I often try to talk to God about it. I pray and ask for the necessary wisdom and insight. I ask for calmness in my heart and I try to focus on the things that are positive – the things that I can be grateful for.

 

Does that make me worry less? Not always, but it helps me to keep perspective at times.

 

I believe regular conversations with God are a good habit. That is why the Bible encourages it. It usually makes me feel better. Directing your thoughts to the things that are good and for which you can give thanks, is definitely also a good habit. These are small changes that we can make, small habits that can make a big difference.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that you always listen and that you always have a plan. Help me not to worry, but rather to notice the good things in my life. Amen.