The speed at which we create a new habit depends directly on the sense of urgency or absolute necessity, as our brain's circuits reorganize more quickly when a situation is critical.

noli's read

While it is true that the popular '21 days' myth is scientifically obsolete, research shows that automating a daily wellness behavior takes an average of 66 days, according to a benchmark observational study conducted by researcher Phillippa Lally (2010). Biologically, however, our nervous system does indeed possess an ultra-fast learning mechanism known as 'one-trial learning,' which has been documented by numerous experimental models in neuroscience. This process is catalyzed by a massive release of attention-related neurotransmitters (such as adrenaline and acetylcholine) during a spike of urgency or acute stress. The idea that brain plasticity accelerates with necessity is therefore valid for avoidance or immediate survival behaviors. Nevertheless, attempting to leverage this urgency to force the adoption of daily positive habits (such as meditation or exercise) remains an extrapolation, as these routines rely on different circuits that require calm, progressive, and regular repetition.

the sources

1. 1Lally P et al. 2010