Healthy Habits Quiz: How to Make Changes That Stick

True

False 

Don’t go it alone. Reach out and talk to someone. Get a workout buddy. Look for support groups or classes. Tell a friend or family member about your plan. Having support can help keep you on track. Sharing your challenges and successes makes the work easier and less scary, too.

Stop them all at once, while you’re motivated.

Quit 1 at a time.

It’s tough to change too many things at once. It takes time to form bad habits, but it also takes time to replace them with good ones. Conquer one habit, then move on to the next

11%

18%

40%

Studies show that by midyear, less than half had kept their January promises. With the right attitude and approach, you can improve your own odds.

True

False 

Everyone has lapses when trying to build a healthy habit. It’s part of the process. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Forgive yourself for dropping the ball. Use it as a chance to learn your triggers. Can you handle being around friends who are smoking when you’re trying to quit? If not, avoid those situations. Learn from your mistakes, and move on.

True

False 

Rewards, however small, can motivate you. They remind you of your progress and make things more fun.

For short-term goals, rewards should be simple, like going to a movie, getting a manicure, or buying a pair of shoes. Give yourself larger rewards for reaching bigger goals, like buying a piece of jewelry or taking a vacation.

True

False 

Many people believe change can be cemented in 21 days, but research shows it’s not that simple. For some, creating a habit can take 2 months or more.

Don’t be discouraged that things aren’t happening faster. It doesn’t mean you won’t get there. It takes time for the brain to make a new routine second nature.

To cut down on procrastinating

To plan your work ahead of time

When you create your goals in a positive way and use terms that focus on the behavior you want to build, you are more likely to succeed. It’s often easier to build a new habit than to quit a bad one.

True

False

Bypassing your bad habit for short amounts of time will help build your confidence that you can let it go permanently. If you can do it easily, make the challenge a little harder until you reach your goal. For example, if you cut the habit 1 day a week, try to go for 2 days next.

30 pounds a year

5 pounds a month for 6 months

Big-scale goals can frustrate you and may make you give up. Break them down into several smaller, easier ones. And list the steps for each. To lose 1 pound a week, you could try replacing dessert with fruit, for example.

Keep track of how you are doing. People who do are more likely to succeed.

Your Score:

You correctly answered out of questions.

Great job! You’ve got the know-how to start building healthy habits that last.

Good effort. You are on the path to reaching your goals.

Looks like you could use some help learning how to set and reach your goals. With practice, anyone can learn how to make lasting changes. So, try again!

Sources
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Reviewed by Carol

DerSarkissian on November 13, 2017

Medically Reviewed on November 13, 2017

Reviewed by Carol

DerSarkissian on
November 13, 2017

IMAGE PROVIDED BY:

Getty

SOURCES:

American Heart Association: “Making New Habits Permanent.”

American Psychological Association: “Making Lifestyle Changes That Last,”

 “Solutions to Resolution Dilution,”

 “The Key to Making Lasting Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes: Is it Will or Skill?”

Brigham Young University: “How to Make New Habits.”

Wilson, K. “cleanyourhands: Reducing Healthcare Associated Infections,” Cases in Public Health Communication & Marketing, 2009.

, Harvard Health Publications, 2010.Lally, P.

, October 2010.

National Institutes of Health: “Making Your Resolutions Stick.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Changing Your Habits: Steps to Better Health.”

News release, University College London.

John Norcross, PhD, professor of psychology, University of Scranton; adjunct professor of psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Norcross, J.

, Simon & Schuster, 2012. 

Norcross, J.

, April 2002.

This tool does not provide medical advice.
See additional information.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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Healthy Habits Quiz: How to Make Changes That Stick

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