They say it takes 28 days to make or break a habit. I say it depends on what that habit is.
For example I have persistently gone to a gym to work out for years. I continue to struggle with it and most days I need to force myself to go. I do all the rituals of having my gym clothes ready, I wear the right shoes, have great music set on the ipod, yet I still watch the clock for the minimum time necessary I need to stay.
Is my actions or mindset the habit I have cultivated through repetition? My body goes, but my attitude at the gym lacks joy.
On the other hand a few years ago, I sat down to watched Perry Mason one afternoon with a bowl of popcorn and well — no matter what else is going on, I can find my way to the TV with a bowl of corn at 2pm without much thought. —(this is only one reason I suffer the gym; my cookie habit is another).
I am a creature of habit, ritual and routine. It is just that some of the habits, rituals and routines are harder to stick to and/or give up than others!