How to Make a Habit Stick: Lessons from Science (And Why It Matters for Adult Apprenticeships)
Building Better Habits: It Takes Time – and a Plan
Let’s be honest—most of us have started a new routine full of enthusiasm, only to fall off track within weeks. Whether it’s committing to regular coaching reflections, keeping up with off-the-job learning logs, or building a healthier work-life rhythm, habit formation can be tricky.
But new research says: it’s not your fault. You just need more time and the right strategy.
A recent meta-analysis of over 2,600 participants found that forming a new health-related habit takes, on average, 55 to 66 days—but in some cases, over 150 days. That’s months, not weeks.
So if you’re an adult learner struggling to stay consistent, don’t panic. You’re not behind—you’re human.
What Actually Helps?
The study highlights a few habit-forming strategies that actually work:
✅ Choose your own habit – People who pick their focus are more likely to succeed.
✅ Plan ahead – Having a structure boosts success, whether it's a hydration goal or a learning log.
✅ Be consistent – Doing the habit at the same time every day builds resilience—especially in the morning.
✅ Track your progress – Self-monitoring (apps, journaling or checklists) makes habits visible and more achievable.
These findings are more than interesting—they’re transformational for how we support adult apprenticeships.
💡 What This Means for Azesta Learners
At Azesta, we understand that sustainable learning and behavioural change don’t happen overnight. That’s why our apprenticeships focus on:
Experiential learning – Repeated, meaningful experiences
Reflective practice – Embedding routines into real-world roles
Coaching support – Accountability, personalisation, and space to plan
Long-term pacing – Giving learners time to adapt, trial, and repeat
Forming a habit—whether that’s preparing for an EPA or giving regular team feedback—isn’t about doing it perfectly from day one. It’s about doing it consistently over time.
Final Thought
If you’re building new routines through your apprenticeship, remember:
“Habits don’t fail. They just take longer to form than we think.”
Stay patient, stay structured—and let the process do its work.
🔗 Read the original study: Singh et al., 2024
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