Still SproutingBuilding habits: what does the research say?
We read the research on habit formation and turned it into a few plain-language articles. Each comes with sources and says which parts are research findings and which are only worked examples. We don't promise results and we don't diagnose; these notes just save you a few wrong turns.
Which way of starting a habit suits you?
8 questions to find the way of beginning that fits you best, with a shareable card. Your answers are never uploaded.
ResearchHow long does it take to build a habit? The "21 days" claim has no research behind it
66 days on average, 18 to 254 days between people, and one missed day barely matters.
MethodHow to change a bad habit: swap it, don't just fight it
Habits are set off by context. Change the context and replace it with an "if…then…" plan, in 4 steps.
ResearchMissed a day? What the research says, and how to come back
Streaks cut both ways, and why coming back deserves kindness.
ComparisonChoosing a habit app: six compared, and who each suits (2026)
Habitica, Finch, Fabulous, Streaks, Loop, Atoms and Still Sprouting: who each suits and what to keep in mind.