I'm not sure why changing habits is so hard for us human beings but it is. I can't be the only one since if you Google "Changing Bad Habits to Good Ones" you will come up with a ton of advice. When I do research I like to see what all of the advice posts have in common. Here are some of the major ones that I can vouch for that work:
1. Research your bad habits - when do you practice them, what do you do right before you practice them, what need are you trying to meet? Most advice calls this researching your "triggers." Triggers are what "triggers" the behavior. For example, my overeating takes place in the evening when I'm not active. It may be that I'm bored.
2. Choose something to replace the trigger and the habit. Just stopping doing something doesn't work. There has to be something positive to replace it that satisfies the need. For example, I can replace my evening overeating with activity - maybe yoga, going for a walk, going out with friends. Eventually, I may be able to stay home and watch t.v. without overeating, but practicing the replacements willl make it easier when the time comes
3. Be consistent with using the replacement. Much of the advice recommends a 30 day trial. If you miss a day, start the 30 days over.
4. Put some leverage into the new habit. Try having people sponsor you - for every day you exercise, for every pound you lose, etc. Give the money to your favorite charity. Or vice versa: Give a trusted friend a sum of money - enough that losing it would hurt. You only get it back when you've completed the 30 days (consistently).
Empowerment enhances the ability of individuals or organizations to make choices and transform those choices into positive outcomes. Empowered people have recognized their own value and strength and their capacity to handle life's problems. In turn they are better able to influence the course of their lives. With information and support, most people can find within themselves the power to direct their lives and reach their dreams.
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