How much do you think your habits are shaped by what's around you — the people, the place, the things within easy reach — rather than by willpower?

A natural way to answer

I think environment does most of the heavy lifting, frankly. Willpower runs out fast, but a good set-up keeps you on track without thinking. Surround yourself with active friends and you'll fall into step with them almost by default.

Key phrases to use

• have it in the house — to keep something (esp. tempting food) at home where it's easy to reach“I just don't have it in the house anymore.”
• runs out — to become completely used up or finished“My willpower runs out by the evening.”
• fall into step — to start matching the behaviour or pace of those around you“You quickly fall into step with active friends.”
• creatures of habit — people who like to do the same things in the same way out of routine“We're all creatures of habit at heart.”
• looks after itself — happens automatically without you having to manage it“Set it up well and the habit looks after itself.”
• come unstuck — to fail or run into trouble after seeming to go well“Most diets come unstuck within a fortnight.”