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Overcoming the Knowing / Doing Gap

Posted on: 11.14.16 | by Matthew Kenney

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There is something known as the knowing-doing gap, which many entrepreneurs will experience during their careers. This phenomenon occurs when we know we need to do something to achieve a desired outcome, but we do not do it. Today we will discuss the science behind developing positive habits.

Developing Healthy Habits

In 1960, a plastic surgeon named Dr. Maxwell Maltz published a book called Psycho-Cybernetics. In the book, Dr. Maltz wrote how he noticed it took his patients – on average – 21 days of repetition to form a behavior that becomes automatic.  However, there was no scientific evidence supporting this statement.

It is not uncommon for misconstrued research to get re-stated so often it’s reported as fact. This is one of those facts that gets shared a lot without a basis for truth. While the intention is positive…the evidence is underwhelming that people generally develop a habit it 21 days. Yet, people do develop positive habits. So, is there a magic number of days?

In 2010, British researchers launched the first scientific attempt to determine how long it takes to develop a positive habit. Their findings: It might take as little as 18 days, or as many as 254 days to form a positive habit (depending on the complexity). On average, it takes 66 days of repetition to ensure a behavior becomes automatic.

Developing Great Entrepreneurial Habits

A habit is simply a behavior. Outcomes are achieved through behaviors. Therefore, to accomplish desired entrepreneurial objectives we need habits that will result in the desired outcome. So how do we develop these habits? The answer appears to be practicing the habit for 66 days (or about thirteen 5-day work weeks).

As we practice, something interesting happens within the human brain: Desired behaviors become automatic habits. Scientifically, this process is known as automaticity. It is really no different, however, than the “practice makes perfect” adage. If we will simply have the discipline to do what is needed, eventually our brains will map the behavior as a positive habit. The knowing-doing gap will be bridged.

If you know something needs to be done – but you are having trouble getting into a routine – try setting a 66-day goal. Dedicate time each day towards your objective. You may find it challenging at first. However, force yourself to do it every day…starting today. Soon you’ll have an ingrained habit that generates positive rewards.

Categories: Management and Leadership

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