Daniel Hebb was one of the pioneers in recognizing this principle of “neural plasticity” in what was later coined, “Hebb’s Law.” That is, neurons that fire together wire together. Said another way, practice makes perfect.

Hebb’s Law

When a behavior is repeated over and over, the pathways in the brain begin to hardwire. Research suggest that it takes 21-66 days to form a habit, but there’s a catch.

Just because you go to the gym 21 or 66 days out of the 365 days of the year, doesn’t mean you’ve formed a new habit. It’s 21-66 consecutive days to form a new habit. That’s where neuroplasticity kicks in and the odds go up that you’ve rewired your brain well enough that you’re likely to stick with it.

It takes concentrated effort on your part, but this wiring can be overcome. Indeed, it is this thought-wiring that must be overcome if one is to make lasting sustained change for the better. In its simplest form, neuroplasticity essentially breaks down to the old saying, “the more you seek, the more you’ll find.” At the end of the day, your success is ultimately up to you.