How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world

Key finding

Repeating a chosen behavior daily in a consistent context made it more automatic along an asymptotic curve. Time to reach 95% of peak automaticity ranged from 18 to 254 days, and missing a single day did not materially derail habit formation.

Why it matters

Grounds the claim that secure behaviors become habits through consistent, context-linked repetition over weeks to months, not a one-off annual course.

Informs

• Keeps secure habits when tired or busy context

Cite

Lally, P., Jaarsveld, C. H. M. v., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998-1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.674