VFS Digital Design/Flickr On average, it takes 66 days to establish a new habit, according to health researcher Philippa Lally. Even so, you don't need to establish unrealistic expectations to achieve your goals. Writer Stephen Guise has coined the concept of setting "mini-habits" to maximize productivity. A mini-habit, like drinking one glass of water or learning one Spanish word each day, exercises minimal effort for a big sense of achievement.