Have you ever tried to change a habit? Some of the most difficult habits to change are those that have a significant impact on long-term health and well-being. Quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly are behaviors that have tremendous health benefits, but take a great deal of commitment, planning and energy to maintain. Hence the joke, "I can quit smoking, no problem. I've done it many times."

Developing habits that support a healthful lifestyle often take more than mere willpower. Most people seem to think that they need only themselves to solve their problems. Overweight? Just change your eating and exercise habits. Still smoking? Just quit. Our medical, educational and community systems tend to advocate behavior change through individual education and counseling.

Educational programs designed to facilitate individual behavior change certainly help many people, but these programs alone are not enough. Unless people are careful, these programs can also have negative effects. Some people may blame individuals for their bad habits, and even for their diseases. (He got lung cancer? Oh well, he was a smoker. Isn't she fat? Why doesn't she so something about her weight problem?) This approach can also generate feelings of guilt and low self-esteem in people who fail to keep their resolutions to exercise regularly or achieve (usually unrealistic) weight-loss goals.

If changing a habit feels like swimming upstream, note the factors in your life and community that help and hinder you in your resolve. Take advantage of those helpful factors (i.e., exercise classes you can take at work). Take a problem-solving approach to barriers. Do what you can to get support for your good intentions.

Enlist the support of friends.
People closest to you have the most influence on your behavior. Get your partner or close friend to exercise, change eating habits or quit smoking with you.

Create a home environment that supports your goals.  Stock your kitchen with the food you need to eat well, and throw out the junk. Buy an exercise video you enjoy, and create a little workout area. S art new household traditions that support a healthful lifestyle, such as Sunday afternoon hikes or vegetarian dinners every Thursday. Do what works for you and your family.

Enlist support at work. Find a friend at work who will walk with you at lunchtime or go to the fitness center with you after work. Schedule exercise into your work week. Tell your boss it makes you more productive. Tell co-workers exercise helps you manage stress and get them to join you!

Examine your daily eating habits and make a plan. Cultivate new snack and lunchtime routines that reduce fat and increase fruit and vegetable intake.

Applaud management when they offer programs to help employees develop a healthful lifestyle, and work constructively to support these programs. Volunteer to organize a walking group, and take a low-fat dish to the next potluck. Pitch in and others may follow.

Start or join a group that supports your resolutions.
Groups are great morale boosters. Group members are usually very sympathetic to problems, and may offer nonjudgmental advice, camaraderie and fun. Exercise classes, walking groups, cycling clubs and other fitness and sports opportunities are available in most communities. Check your local health clubs and fitness centers to see what classes or groups might interest you.

Programs and groups that support healthful eating are popular and beneficial for many people. Be sure, however, that they are based on lifelong, balanced eating habits and regular exercise, rather than restrictive dieting.

Think big.
What would make your community a healthier place? Pick a project that would be rewarding. Encourage schools to offer quality physical education and health education programs. Volunteer to coach a sport or teach an after-school program. Help plan and build the bike path. Contact local politicians about health-related issues in town. The sky's the limit. If everyone does a little bit, your community will provide better support for healthful lifestyles.

Copyright 1998, www.fttnessmanagement.com, Fitness Management Magazine. Used by permission. Barbara A. Brehm Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Sport Studies at Smith College, Northampton, Mass.