In a bestselling book “Psycho-Cybernetics”,  Dr Maxwell Maltz , originally a Plastic Surgeon, noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations  in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the '21 Day Habit Theory' has become an accepted part of self-help programs.

Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept new data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day). He also noticed that many of his customers retained a poor self image even after having surgery which improved their appearance. This prompted him to work with his clients' self image prior to surgery, and he discovered that he could assist them to acquire an improved self image without surgery, using the same 21-day period to create changes in their mindset, and that surgery then became unnecessary for them.

Of the '21 day' phenomenon Maltz' identified the fact that the human mind takes almost exactly 21 days to adjust to a major life change, universally - whether it's a negative like a loss of a limb or a loved one, a change of employment or residence, or positive like entering into a new romantic relationship.

Dr. Maltz finally created a program, before he died called Zero Resistance Living. It was never released in a published work, but the essence of the technique is simply to devote 15 minutes a day to the formation of any habit you wish to establish, and do this faithfully for 21 days. By the fourth week, it should actually be harder not to engage in the new behavior than it would be to continue doing it.

This applies to any type of habit that you want to improve or create, or also can be used in the opposite way to remove a bad habit with a good one.

It will help to establish the habit if the behavior, such as jogging, is performed at the same time of day every day. The more senses you can involve in the new habit, the more likely it is to become ingrained in the neural pathways. If you miss a day, just keep going until you've been doing the new behavior for 21 days in a row.


Careful Habits Ensure Good Health-“I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17”

“The mind does not wear out nor break down so often on account of diligent employment and hard study, as on account of eating improper food at improper times, and of careless inattention to the laws of health. . . . Irregular hours for eating and sleeping sap the brain forces. The apostle Paul declares that he who would be successful in reaching a high standard of godliness must be temperate in all things. Eating, drinking, and dressing all have a direct bearing upon our spiritual advancement.

Health is a blessing which few appreciate. . . . Many eat at all hours, regardless of the laws of health. Then gloom covers the mind. How can men be honored with divine enlightenment when they are so reckless in their habits, so inattentive to the light which God has given in regard to these things. . . . Life is a holy trust, which God alone can enable us to keep, and to use to His glory. But He who formed the wonderful structure of the body will take special care to keep it in order if men do not work at cross-purposes with Him.

Health, life, and happiness are the result of obedience to physical laws governing our bodies. If our will and way are in accordance with God’s will and way; if we do the pleasure of our Creator, He will keep the human organism in good condition, and restore the moral, mental, and physical powers, in order that He may work through us to His glory. . . . If we co-operate with Him in this work, health and happiness, peace and usefulness, are the sure result.

He did not die for us in order that we might become slaves to evil habits, but that we might become the sons and daughters of God, serving Him with every power of the being."  Our Father Cares pg. 30