The Role of Community in Sustaining New Habits
While habit formation is an intensely personal journey, its success is often profoundly social. We are social creatures, and our behaviors are heavily influenced by the people around us. Leveraging the power of community is one of the most effective, yet often overlooked, strategies for ensuring your new habit sticks well beyond the initial 42 days. When you make your goals public or join a group with similar aspirations, you tap into powerful psychological forces like accountability, shared identity, and encouragement.
Accountability is the most obvious benefit. When you know someone else will be checking in on your progress, you are far more likely to follow through. A study by The Association for Talent Development (ATD) found that individuals have a 65% chance of completing a goal if they commit to someone. And if they have a specific accountability appointment with that person, the likelihood of success increases to an astounding 95%.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." – African Proverb
Beyond simple check-ins, community provides a sense of shared identity. When you join a running club, a book club, or a weekly coding group, you start to see yourself as "a runner," "a reader," or "a coder." This shift in identity is crucial for long-term change. The behavior is no longer something you *do*; it becomes part of who you *are*. The group normalizes the behavior you are trying to adopt, making it feel natural and expected.
Moreover, a supportive community is an invaluable resource when you encounter plateaus or setbacks. Others who have faced similar challenges can offer advice, perspective, and, most importantly, encouragement. They can remind you of your progress when you've lost sight of it and celebrate your small wins, reinforcing the motivation that is so critical for endurance. This shared journey transforms a solitary struggle into a collective effort, making the process more enjoyable and sustainable.
You don't need a large group. Even a single accountability partner—a friend, family member, or colleague who you check in with weekly—can dramatically increase your chances of success. As you build your systems for change, don't forget to build your system of support.
Sources:
- The Association for Talent Development (ATD). (2015). Accountability and Workplace Performance Study.
- Christakis, N. A., & Fowler, J. H. (2009). Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives.