Why 40 Freaking Days?
I’ve always been fascinated by why we stick to certain practices—sometimes with ease, other times through sheer determination—and why our motivation can wane.
When I was much younger, I was hospitalised and quarantined after a severe bout of ulcerated tonsillitis. My throat was so raw that I was vulnerable to every infection going, and just three weeks later, it flared up again. I’ll never forget the moment the doctor looked me in the eye and said, “You’ve got to ask yourself—what are you doing to yourself that your immune system isn’t kicking in?”
That question shook me to my core. It prompted a complete overhaul of how I cared for my body, starting with what I ate. That’s when I discovered juice fasting. I was all in, combining it with nutritional gut support and completing a 21-day fast. I even had friends who managed 40-day fasts—a number that felt like an elusive, almost mythical achievement. Back then, I saw 40 days as the ultimate test of willpower.
But over the years, I’ve learnt that 40 days is about much more than willpower. It’s not just a challenge—it’s a container for transformation.
Now, I view 40-day practices as a pinnacle of transformation. It’s not limited to fasting—it could be 40 days of eating healthily, 40 days of cold showers, or 40 days of walking the dog each morning. The magic lies in the consistency and what it does to your mindset and inner world.
Here’s why digging deep, staying consistent, and committing to a 40-day practice is a game-changer: it’s long enough to turn a new habit into a way of life, rewire your mind, and shift old patterns. This kind of sustained commitment fosters deep transformation, heightened self-awareness, and lasting change.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself every day, creating space for growth, and building the resilience to follow through. And here’s the thing: 40-day practices aren’t just a modern idea—they’ve been used throughout history too.
40 Day Events Appear on Many Spiritual Texts
Buddha’s Meditation Under the Bodhi Tree
While historical records vary, it’s believed that Buddha meditated under the Bodhi tree for 49 days (seven weeks) to attain enlightenment. This intense period of meditation aligns closely with the transformative power of 40 days, symbolizing dedication, spiritual awakening, and the breaking of illusion. Buddha’s commitment illustrates how sustained focus over a significant time frame can lead to clarity and profound insight.
Jesus’s 40 Days in the Desert
In the Christian tradition, Jesus spent 40 days fasting and praying in the desert, facing and overcoming temptations. This period of solitude and reflection symbolizes purification, spiritual preparation, and the fortification of faith. It serves as an archetype for using a sacred time frame to realign with higher purposes and overcome inner challenges.
The Biblical Flood
In the Old Testament, the great flood lasted 40 days and nights, representing a cleansing and resetting of the earth. This narrative underscores the theme of renewal and transformation that a 40-day practice embodies—clearing the old to make space for the new.
The Yogic Perspective
In yogic tradition, the number 40 is seen as spiritually significant for cultivating change. It is believed that practicing something consistently for 40 days rewires the brain, dissolves old habits, and establishes new, empowering patterns. This is the essence of sadhana, a disciplined spiritual practice that leads to transformation.
Islamic Fasting
Although Ramadan typically lasts 29 or 30 days, Islamic traditions also reference 40 days in various spiritual contexts. It is believed that 40 days of devotion, prayer, or specific practices can lead to heightened spiritual states and purification.
Ayurveda and Healing Cycles
In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, 40 days is considered a significant period for healing. Postpartum care, recovery from illness, and establishing new habits often follow this time frame, as it aligns with natural cycles of physical and mental renewal.
Other Cultural References
The number 40 also appears in ancient Egyptian and Native American traditions as a sacred time for rituals, mourning, or initiations. These practices highlight the universal understanding of this time frame as one of profound transition and spiritual growth.
So Why 40 Days?
From a symbolic perspective, 40 days represents a balance between commitment and transformation. It’s long enough to dissolve old patterns, integrate new habits, and create meaningful change. Energetically, it aligns with natural cycles in the body, mind, and spirit, providing the time needed for deep rewiring and alignment.
This brings us to the modern day skinny on 40 days of practice...
The Reality of 40 Days of A Practise..
But here’s the truth no one tells you: it’s not just about the practice—it’s about who you become along the way. A 40-day practice isn’t just a habit; it’s a transformative journey. I’ve dipped my toe into self-practices over the years, and here’s the trick: no matter how long the practice is, if you miss one day, don’t let it become two. Otherwise, it’s game over. With this in mind...
When you show up for 40 days don't be surprised if these aspects show up too.
Expect Resistance
The first week feels fresh and exciting, but then... life happens. Old habits and excuses creep in. This is when growth begins—when you show up despite the resistance.
It’s Not About Perfection
Miss a day? It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. The real power lies in how quickly you come back to it. Every time you recommit, you strengthen your resolve.
Your Why Will Save You
Some days, you’ll need a reminder of why you started. Tie your practice to a bigger intention—your health, joy, or simply proving to yourself that you can.
You’ll Meet Your True Self
The consistency of showing up uncovers hidden beliefs, patterns, and emotions. It’s messy, beautiful, and deeply empowering.
The Magic Isn’t on Day 40
Surprise: the transformation isn’t a finish line; it’s the tiny shifts, insights, and discipline you build daily. Day 40 is simply the beginning of a new way of being.
Why Commit to 40 Days?
A 40-day practice is your invitation to shift from habit to transformation. It’s long enough to reshape your inner world, align with your highest self, and create space for what truly matters. Whether you’re journaling to clarify your vision, practicing yoga, or committing to a new mindset, the power lies in consistency.
Carla Mardell is the creator of Mindset in Mayhem and Mindset and EFT Tapping Coach who works with busy humans delivering workshops and working one to one to stress less and live more.
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