Becoming better is not simply a matter of willpower or work ethic. It’s also a matter of strategy. 
What people assume to be a lack of willpower or an unwillingness to change is often a consequence of trying to build good habits in bad environments.

Good habits don't last in bad environments

Sun Tzu, the legendary military strategist, preferred to win without fighting or, at the very least, to win the easiest battles first. 
The teachings of Sun Tzu extend far beyond the field of battle because they are focused on finding the easiest way to achieve a specific goal.

Sun Tzu: Winning without fighting

In most situations failure is not a result of poor willpower, but a result of poor strategy.

Failure relates to a weak strategy

Good military leaders start by winning easy battles and improving their position.
Same goes for starting habits. You should not start new habits in an environment that makes progress difficult.

In battles and in building new habits, start easy

You can be sure in succeeding in your habits if you only build habits which are easy to maintain.

Success and easy-to-follow habits

Sun Tzu was a legendary military strategist in ancient China and he is the author of the famous book, The Art of War. He was a master of "soft power" and the father of "agile warfare." Whenever possible, he preferred to win without fighting or, at the very least, to win the easiest battles first.

Success and easy-to-follow habits

Sun Tzu: How to Use Military Strategy to Build Better Habits

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