Usually we hear that it takes 21 days to Make a Habit OR Break a Habit, and that's quite True, however this Article I found today sounds like it would be So Effective, less time would be possible. It would give you good leverage - give you a Running Start - then you could Consolidate your results over the next 2 - 3 Weeks, Hey?
How To Break A Habit In Seven Days
By Cynthia Hickman
Monday
Wake up and own up. It's like a scene from an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting: "Hello, I'm Sally and I'm an alcoholic". Whatever your bad habit is, you have to treat it the same way. Say to yourself something like, "I'm Amy and I overeat" or "I'm Simon and I spend too much time playing computer games".
Tuesday
It is important to observe yourself in the actual moment that you are doing the problematic behaviour. Say to yourself: "Here I am doing … [insert habit of choice]". Then the habit is no longer automatic or unconscious. This begins to take away its power over you.
Wednesday
Determine the real cost of your behavior. For example, it might be the amount of time spent in front of the TV. Ask yourself: "What do I miss out on doing because of this habit? What is its effect on others, my life and me?" Knowing the cost helps motivate you to want to change.
Thursday
Delve deeper into the reasons for the problem. Ask yourself the following questions: "When do I do this behaviour? What's the trigger? What's driving the behavior? Am I feeling empty, anxious, tired or avoiding something difficult?" Understand why you are doing what you do.
Friday
Deal with the real issues. You will need to confront the things you have been avoiding that are fuelling your bad habit. Are there tough conversations to be had or difficult emotions to be felt? Maybe you have buried issues and emotions from your childhood or teens. Whatever they are, it's time to front up.
Saturday
Stop yourself slipping back by making the old habit more difficult to do, for example, by putting the banned substance in the top cupboard. Also, swap the bad habit for something healthier, such as eating fruit instead of sweets. And tell someone what you are doing so you have some support.
Sunday
Stay positive and committed. Don't use slip-ups as a reason to give up. Expect them and just move on. It takes 30 days for a new habit to form, so plan a reward when you have reached this marker. Appreciate the effort you have made and re-commit to it for the next month.
Article Source HERE