• A popular belief that what is needed is willpower.
• Studies show that when people report more effort at resisting temptation, they are less likely to give in.
• Over the longer term, using more self-control or using it more frequently is unrelated to goal progress.
• The main aim would be to reduce the strong desires in the first place.
• Set up your surroundings so that temptations are less tempting.
• Make a specific plan to replace negative behaviours with positive ones.
• Bundle the new desired behaviour with something rewarding, such as watching your favourite TV show while you run on the treadmill.

Changing behaviours and habits are notoriously difficult! Yet sometimes we are able to make lasting changes and attain our goals – perhaps you have managed it too. So what’s the difference, how do we sometimes achieve successful change – and how can we increase our chances of success next time?