Between Knowing and Doing

In every form of media in this new year, I see articles about changing our behaviors for the better. There is much good advice about losing weight, quitting smoking, organizing ourselves, etc. The thing is, we have heard these things before, said in many different ways. The issue is not that we don't KNOW what to do, rather the question becomes "Do we act on what we know?"
Even when we know that a behavior makes us feel better, like exercising, we don't necessarily move ourselves away from the computer, the TV, the couch, to "just do it." I find that I take longer walks if I have a walking buddy, so socialization and community can be a very motivating factor. Visualizing myself as a healthy person (now and in the future) and tapping into what I deeply feel is meaningful in this life and why I want to live a long and healthy life, puts me in a space where I feel that I want to make the difficult changes that are recommended by my physician (or physical therapist, etc.) One example: it was recommended that I stop eating all grains, starches and sugars (except some honey) for intestinal reasons. This required changing many habits and addictions. (If you don't think blue corn chips are an addiction, try going without them! Not to mention chocolate!!) Funny thing was, I discovered that the cravings went away after those things were no longer in my system. I also began feeling more energy.
So what is between the "knowing" and the "doing?" The deep desire to have a healthy, happy life that contains meaning, purpose and community. I believe that this is what we all want and that sometimes we need a partner or more to help us with the accountability and the support that encourages us to act on what we know.