Timing your habit formation

Is there a perfect moment to start that new habit you know will boost your performance?

Should you just power through and begin now.. or could timing be an effective strategy?

According to today’s featured study, timing your creation of a new habit might actually work!

Today’s insights is drawn from the scientific article: 
“Empowering interventions to promote sustainable lifestyle: Testing the habit discontinuity hypothesis in a field experiment” 

Takeaways:

📈 Leverage life transitions for change

Major life events, such as moving or starting a new job, disrupt routines and create opportunities to adopt better habits.

📆 The opportunity is 3 months

The “window of opportunity” to leverage these life events for habit formation seems to lasts about three months after a life transition.

Let’s learn some more about this study:

_{Disclaimer: This summary is based on the article “Empowering interventions to promote sustainable lifestyles: Testing the habit discontinuity hypothesis in a field experiment” by Bas Verplanken & Deborah Roy and aims to provide key takeaways and a condensed overview of its content. While the essence is drawn from the original article, some parts have been simplified or rephrased to enhance understanding. Please note that we at, OptiMindInsights or any other potential writers or contributors to our summaries, do not accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this summary. The information provided should not be considered a substitute for personal research or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult the original article for detailed insights and references. The summary does not include references, but they can typically be found within the original publication. Always exercise due diligence and consider your unique circumstances before applying any information in your personal or professional life. We refer to the creative commons for reproducibility rights.}

The study in a nutshell:

This study tested the habit discontinuity hypothesis. A hypothesis that suggests that significant life changes, disrupt habits and create opportunities for behavior change. 

The authors conducted a field experiment with 800 participants to promote sustainable behaviors. 

Interventions, including personal interviews and eco-friendly resources, were most effective for individuals who had recently relocated, with a three-month window identified as the optimal period for change. 

The findings highlight the potential of timing interventions to align with significant life events to foster long-term sustainable habits.

What they did:

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