Consistency is crucial for establishing healthy habits. However, a rigid approach may be the reason so many people struggle to maintain new habits in the long run.
Recent research suggests that the more rigid and restrictive a routine is, the more likely it is to fail over time.
A study conducted with 2,500 Google employees illustrates this point well. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: one with a strict exercise routine, one with a flexible exercise plan, and a control group.
The group with a strict routine was asked to choose a two-hour window in their daily schedule to exercise, while the group with a flexible plan was encouraged to exercise whenever it was convenient for them. Both groups were financially incentivized to complete their exercises, while the control group received no specific guidance.
The results were surprising. Although both incentivized groups exercised more than the control group, it was the group with a flexible plan that showed greater consistency after the financial incentives ended.
This suggests that a more flexible approach can be more effective in the long term. Instead of sticking to an inflexible routine, people should be encouraged to adapt their habits to the demands of real life. This doesn’t mean abandoning discipline entirely, but rather allowing some flexibility to handle unforeseen events and changes in routine.
So, if you’re struggling to maintain a new habit, consider adopting a more flexible approach. Instead of fixating on specific times and rigid rules, focus on developing habits that are adaptable and sustainable over the long term. By doing so, you will significantly increase your chances of long-term success and well-being.