For a habit to stay changed, people must believe change is possible.

This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.

But countless studies have shown that a cue and a reward, on their own, aren't enough for a new habit to last. Only when your brain starts expecting the reward--craving the endorphins or sense of accomplishment--will it become automatic to lace up your jogging shoes each morning. The cue, in addition to triggering a routine, must also trigger a craving for the reward to come.

If you tell people that they have what it takes to succeed, they'll prove you right

If you believe you can change - if you make it a habit - the change becomes real.

It is facile to imply that smoking, alcoholism, overeating, or other ingrained patters can be upended without real effort. Genuine change requires work and self-understanding of the cravings driving behaviours.

Between calculated risk and reckless decision-making lies the dividing line between profit and loss.