21 Days

We've all heard the myth about how it only takes 21 days to make or break a habit. We buy into it so quickly because it gives us hope.

"I'm going to run 15 minutes everyday."

"I'm going to start flossing."

"I'm going to keep a journal."

Sounds simple, right?

For some habits, it is. In a study at University College London, 96 people chose a behavior that they wanted to be part of their daily routine. Some chose to drink a glass of water after breakfast. This action become automatic to them within the expected 21 days. Those who chose exercising, however, weren't so lucky. After 84 days, the action of doing 50 sit-ups every morning was still forced. Here's why:

... 21 days to form a habit is probably right, as long as all you want to do is drink a glass of water after breakfast. Anything harder is likely to take longer to become a really strong habit, and, in the case of some activities, much longer.

Habit comes through diligence. I want my students to be diligent about practicing the piano on their own! This article I found, 21 Days to Consistent Piano Practice, talks about how piano is not your typical extracurricular activity. Sports teams, for example, provide you with several opportunities each week to practice. Piano students must take practice upon themselves. The author of this article gives piano teachers 6 ways to encourage individual practice. Here they are in a nutshell:

1. Explain the importance of daily practice.

2. Have them commit to a routine.

3. Encourage them to practice 5 minutes everyday the first week, 7 minutes the second, 10 minutes the third, and so on.

4. Provide them with a practice log.

5. Ask the parents how the practices are going.

6. Repeat.

I am not nearly experienced enough to know if this works. But from my past with taking piano lessons, I know that the teacher and the parents can try all day long to get the kid to practice. They still won't do it. The students have to have the desire for themselves.