How to break a habit; is 21 the magic number?

Anyone attempting to break a habit or form a new one would love to know how long it's going to take to see the results they long for. Understanding that there is no "magic number" isn't much consolation, but realizing there are some key elements to breaking/forming new habits might just help you along as you attempt to overcome the past and achieve your goals.

Dr. Maxwell Maltz has been touted as the original "author" of the 21 day theory for habit breaking/forming. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Maltz witnessed his amputee patient's process through their life altering change, observing that it typically took 21 days for them to establish/create new habits. Maltz's theory was simple: "the brain circuits take engrams (memory traces) and produces neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row". Based upon this theory, the brain won't accept new data for change of a habit unless the change is repeated for 21 days continuously, thus establishing the theory of 21 days to break/form a habit.

Although there could be ongoing debate as to whether or not this theory is consistently accurate or true, I can attest that my life was dramatically changed after a 21 day biblical fast (liquid fast containing protein/carbohydrates/healthy fats and limited sodium). During the onset of my fast, I made a decision to proceed one day at a time without an end in mind. Each day, I would pray and fast asking God to direct my steps as I sought His will for my life. And each day I witnessed God slowly and dramatically change my life. At the end of 21 days the Lord revealed to me that my "fast" was finished. The results were amazing! Not only did I feel so much better, my body was healed, my former habits were completely gone and I was on my way to a new and much more fulfilling life.

Can a 21 day fast change your life? Only God knows the answer to that question and only He can show you His will for your life. I do believe God works uniquely through each one of us, knowing exactly what we need. If you have the desire to change, break or form a new habit, 21 days might be key in helping you reach your goal. If you need "divine intervention" from God to help you break free from whatever is hindering you, then He will guide you through your process if you seek His will for your life.

Why not start today by simply praying and seeking God's will for your life? Who knows….in 21 days you might be a "whole" new you!