Several years ago, I remember doing some research into habits – both good and bad. I found it highly interesting that it takes, on average, three times longer to form a good habit than it does to break a bad one. The actual timeframe varies depending on the particular habit, the behavior of the person and the circumstance of what triggers the habit. But, again, if we were to speak exclusively in averages, then it takes 66 days to form a new habit and 21 days to break an old habit. Here's where it gets really interesting. Who determines which habit is good and which habit is bad? At first glance, that question may seem like it has an obvious answer, but it’s not as simple as it always may seem to be. A habit that is considered to be completely innocuous to one person may be the catalyst for a highly negative reaction with the person that is always around to witness that habit, e.g., a spouse, partner or significant other. Therefore, I believe it is important to gather those “witnesses” around you when trying to determine what habits need to stay, which ones need to go, and what new ones should be developed.
Certainly, many “bad” habits are fairly obvious 
for health reasons: Smoking, Gluttony, Drug & Alcohol Abuse. Other habits that sit closer to the fence would include gossip, backbiting and chronic tardiness. Don’t get me wrong. Those items are not ON the fence, just near to it. In every sense of the word, they are bad habits, but many people feel like a little “friendly” gossip is harmless, or it’s not backbiting…. it’s constructive criticism. Then there are habits that are completely harmless to most but could be the source of great contention to others, like smacking your chewing gum, crunching/eating ice during a meeting, checking texts and emails on your phone when having a conversation with someone.
The bottom line is that, if left to your own decisions, you would rarely work toward eliminating ALL your bad habits. It’s a courageous step to take when asking those 
who are closest in your life to help you make a list of your bad habits and then to help hold you accountable for eliminating them once and for all. In many cases, a bad habit has a polar opposite that should become its replacement. For example, Gluttony is replaced with Healthy Eating…Chronic Tardiness is replaced with Punctuality… Gossip and Backbiting is replaced with Moral and Emotional Support, etc. etc. etc. It takes time, commitment and determination to make these positive changes in your life; but, in the end, it will be worth it. Set milestones throughout the journey and reward yourself for reaching each one! And, don’t make the journey alone. Having an accountability partner in your corner will help you dump the bad and build the good. It’s not just about accepting someone else’s help either. It may be that you are their accountability partner and you are needed to support, encourage and cheer them on until they reach their own personal finish line.
