Ready, Set? What If I Can't Stop Nail Biting

Many of us have heard it takes 21 days to change a habit. I always did too. But in my research I found more information in this blog entry by Stephen of 'Getting Things Done.'

It seems Dr Maxwell Maltz, a skilled plastic surgeon, came up with the 21 day opinion as a result of his observation of his patients. (Dr. Maltz is a very interesting writer who truly teaches how to use the mind body connection in his book Psycho-Cybernetics .

Dr Maltz had an opinion, but the magical 21 days to change a habit has not been verified later with studies I could find.

So what does this mean to you? What happens if you are at Day 23 and you're still having the urge to bite your nails?

Too often when changing a habit there is a lapse back to the old behavior. Some of us pick up and restart. Others get upset with ourselves and resolve to start tomorrow. While the third group just tell ourselves, we couldn't have stopped our nail biting at all and stop trying to quit nail biting.

How about letting ourselves realize it might take more than 21 days to change our nail biting? Or it might take less. Whatever the time frame, the thing to remember: you are doing this for yourself. If it takes longer, oh well, it takes longer.

You are worth changing the habit. You can stop nail biting. If you stick to your plan you will have strong healthy nails.

It's all about changing the nail biting habit,

Sunny