Just to share a bit about myself: It took me 9 months to complete my first continuous 40 day meditation. I had a difficult time taking the time out during the day to give to myself. I fidgeted and made every excuse to not to do it. But, I was persistent and knew deep inside me that I would complete a 40 day sadhana....no matter how long it took.

Nowadays, when a student or friend is going through something difficult within those 40 days after Solstice, the first thing I ask is, "Are you doing a 40 day meditation?" More times than not, they aren't. I cannot say enough how important those 40 days are.

Have compassion and patience with yourself. If you miss a day, be compassionate and do your meditation the next day. If you miss again, remember to love yourself and do your meditation the next day. If you miss again, recommit and do your meditation the next day. At this point, it might take you 40 tries to do it. Or 9 months like me! But, keep at it and have faith in yourself. It will come.