I used to smoke, and 12 years ago I quit. That was my first major change. Through the years, when I found that my health was in danger, I started making other changes regarding caffeine intake, diet, exercise, and, most recently, sun exposure. I could never have made all those changes in a short time. For constant lifestyle changes to occur, one must emphasize realistic goals, consistency, and time.
Permanent change happens when alterations are incorporated slowly, in phases or stages.
For example, a person wants to start drinking eight glasses of water a day. To expect a person who drinks very little water to begin drinking eight glasses of water a day is unrealistic. The person should start slowly and increase water intake. Choose enjoyable exercise. Another example of setting realistic goals is the person who wants to start exercising, does not like cycling and running, but does enjoy hiking and swimming.