As humans, we are creatures of habit, often favoring the familiar even when it's not in our best interest. Our brains, consuming about 30% of our total caloric intake, are wired for efficiency, creating "highways of habit" to conserve energy. This autopilot mode allows us to navigate daily tasks effortlessly, but it also means that *95% of our day is run unconsciously.

Our beliefs and habits, deeply ingrained in our subconscious from years of programming, often during our formative childhood years, may not align with our core values. To bridge this gap, we must first observe ourselves without judgment, become aware of our habitual reactions, and then intentionally choose actions that reflect our true values.

Change is a challenging journey. When we strive for change, our brains resist, clinging to familiar paths to conserve energy. Overcoming this resistance demands patience, self-awareness, and clarity about the change we seek. It's about catching ourselves when we slip into old patterns and redirecting our course.

*Research from University College London shows that forming a new habit takes about 66 days. During this time, our brains undergo neural pruning, shedding old habits and forming new connections. While this process can be uncomfortable, it's essential for personal growth and development.

Understanding this process is invaluable, especially in parenting. For example, many parents wonder how long it will take for their child to learn to sleep independently. While children can learn to self-soothe in a few days, it takes about 66 days for this new habit to become second nature. By setting realistic expectations and approaching change with patience and compassion, parents can help their children develop lasting, healthy sleep habits, even in the face of setbacks.

Change is not only possible but necessary for personal growth and evolution. It requires conscious effort and patience. By understanding the process of habit formation and approaching change with an open mind, we can develop new habits that resonate with our values, paving the way for a more deliberate and fulfilling life.

Understanding this process is powerful for meeting ourselves and our children with understanding. Expecting our children to change begins with consistently changing how we respond to their nighttime wakings. By embracing this understanding and approaching change with compassion, we can create a supportive environment for growth and development for both us and them.

*Breaking the habit of being yourself- Dr. Joe Dispenza pg. 202-203

*https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ejsp.674