How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Sustainable Habit for my Beauty Business?

Hey Gorgeous,

So, you’re ready to kick an old habit or build a new one, but there’s one question that’s always lingering: how long to build a sustainable habit? We’ve all heard answers like 21 days, 30 days, or even 66 days. But is there really a set time to lock in a habit?

Here’s the truth I’ve learned from years in the business and working with countless clients: It depends. Each person’s journey is unique because habit-building isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. For some, it might take a couple of weeks, and for others, it might be a few months.

In fact, one of my clients, let’s call her Jess, took 21 days to build her habit of creating daily content for her business. Another client, Sarah, took about 60 days to finally kick her habit of procrastination. And then there was me—it took me about 45 days to lock in my habit of starting each day with focused, productive energy.

I know this sounds vague, but that’s because so much depends on your unique situation, mindset, and goals.

Let’s tackle some of the things that make the difference and why your habit-building journey might look different than someone else’s.

There are a few key factors that can impact how long it takes to build a sustainable habit:

Your Current Routines and Mindset

If you already have a structured routine, adding a new habit might be a little easier because you’re used to sticking with a schedule. But if you’re someone who’s used to spontaneity, incorporating a structured habit can feel like a major shift.

The Habit You’re Trying to Build

Some habits are more complex and require more effort. For example, building the habit of daily exercise or waking up early can take longer than a simpler habit like drinking a glass of water every morning.

Daily Consistency and Effort

This one’s big. Consistency is key in habit-building. The more consistent and committed you are to practicing your new habit every day, the faster it will stick.

Pro Tip: Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect right away. Start with smaller goals, like setting aside just five minutes a day for your new habit. Consistent, manageable steps build the strongest habits.

When I first started my beauty business, I struggled with one habit in particular: procrastination. I wanted to be productive, I had all the motivation in the world, but somehow, I kept putting things off. Sound familiar?

For me, it was a constant cycle of knowing what needed to get done but finding every excuse in the book to avoid it. It wasn’t until I started setting small, achievable goals each day that I began seeing real progress. Every day, I’d commit to just one small action, like posting one social media update or responding to one client's email. Bit by bit, I broke free from my old habits and built the discipline that I needed.

It took me around 45 days to turn this new routine into a habit that felt sustainable. And honestly, it wasn’t easy! There were days when I didn’t feel like showing up, days when I felt frustrated or like I wasn’t seeing any progress. But with patience, commitment, and a lot of self-compassion, I pushed through.

How you can Determine Your Timeline for Building a Habit

If you’re wondering how long it’ll take for you to lock in a habit, start by asking yourself these questions:

1. How committed am I to showing up every day?

Commitment is crucial. If you’re only halfway in, it’ll take a lot longer to build that habit. But if you’re truly ready to show up every day, you’ll see results faster.

2. Am I ready to embrace the discomfort of change?

Habits require change, and change can feel uncomfortable. The quicker you’re willing to lean into the discomfort, the sooner your habit will stick.

3. How will I hold myself accountable?

Accountability can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or a habit tracker app, find a way to stay accountable for your progress.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to be perfect from day one. Trust me—you don’t. Building habits is about consistency, not perfection. When I started focusing on consistent action rather than getting it “perfect” every day, everything changed for me. It’s okay to have an off day as long as you get back on track the next day.

Wanna hear a real talk: Missing a day doesn’t mean you’ve failed. If you skip a workout, don’t complete a task, or forget to track your progress, just pick it up again tomorrow. Progress is rarely a straight line—it’s a series of ups and downs that eventually lead to a solid habit.

Here are Practical Tips to Build a Sustainable Habit Faster

So how do you build a sustainable habit faster?

Here are some practical tips that have worked for me and my clients:

1. Start Small and Build Up

Don’t try to overhaul your routine overnight. Start with a small, manageable habit, like 5 minutes of journaling or one glass of water every morning.

2. Track Your Progress

Keep a journal or use an app to track your progress. Seeing how far you’ve come can motivate you to keep going, especially on tough days.

3. Reward Yourself for Milestones

Celebrate the little wins! When you hit a milestone—say, a week of consistency—give yourself a small reward.

4. Reflect and Adjust as Needed

Building a habit isn’t always a straight path. If you notice something isn’t working, be willing to adjust and try a different approach.

5. Stay Patient and Kind to Yourself

Building habits takes time and patience. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t click right away. Stick with it, stay kind to yourself, and remember why you started.

If you’re serious about building a sustainable habit, remember that the process takes time, commitment, and a whole lot of patience. You might not see results immediately, and that’s okay. Each step you take brings you closer to the finish line.

Ask yourself: How committed am I to creating real, lasting change? Am I willing to show up daily and push through the challenges?

And if you’re ready for support in building habits that will truly transform your business and your life, I’m here to help.

P.S. Did you know I offer guidance on building sustainable habits and breaking through roadblocks in my Growth Accelerator Program? If you’re ready to fast-track your way to sustainable success, there’s a seat inside with your name on it!

Just book a free strategy call today, and let’s start building the habits that will help you crush those goals. Have questions? Don’t hesitate to hit reply—I’d love to chat!