Public-health professionals constantly urge us to lose weight and live healthier lives, but the thought of changing our lifestyles can be daunting. If we start by building on behavior we've already used, however, the "impossible" becomes possible.

"Health-related behavior changes must be integrated into one's existing lifestyle and interests if they are to be sustained over time. And a review of strengths and skills might reveal some tie-ins for this purpose, helping to identify routes to change wherein a person can feel some competence," says Richard M. Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester in New York.

Such an approach fosters confidence for change; plus, using existing skills keeps you motivated because you already have an interest in the area and believe you can succeed.

To achieve success, ask yourself, "What are my diet and activity skills?"

WHAT YOU'RE GOOD AT

A skill is the ability to use knowledge effectively, or a learned power that helps you do something competently. A skill can be a knack for athletics, math, building furniture, working with computers or listening to people.

"To best utilize a skill, you must know why it is important, see it demonstrated by others, practice it yourself and receive feedback on your practice so you can improve," says Steven Danish, professor of psychology, preventive medicine and community health at Virginia Commonwealth University.

A skill doesn't have to be used all the time. You may be good at something you don't do very often.

Also, having information about something is not the same as being able to implement it. In other words, you may know that to drive a car you turn the key, press the gas and steer, but that doesn't mean you actually have the skill to drive.

Review your early years (grade school, high school, college and post-college): Then list four or five of your major accomplishments that would be most helpful to weight control. Were you strong in any sports? What were your best school subjects? What were your hobbies?

"Skills are often transferable across settings. So if you were good at managing your time when you were in school so that you could participate in a number of activities, that same skill may be applied to managing how you eat and arranging time to be physically active," says Danish.

Look at your current interests: A person who likes birds, for example, might use that as a basis for walking more; a person with cooking skills might want to develop healthy and tasty menus to prepare at home. Where there is interest, there is persistence, says Ryan.

"Look at how you spend your discretionary time," says Edwin A. Locke, professor emeritus of leadership and motivation at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

Look at all the different things you do in your life: at home, with family or friends, at work, in the community, with your church or synagogue. Also, think about what gives you a feeling of accomplishment. These might be related to physical activity, cooking, journal-keeping or organizing support groups.

Compile a list of skills so you can apply them to weight loss (for example, cooking, tennis, journal-keeping or even organizing).

Be specific: Try to come up with how it will help you lose weight. For instance, don't just state that you cooked a great roast chicken. It would be more helpful if you said, "I'm an excellent cook and make a great roast chicken, so that's one really healthful meal I can make at least once a week for myself and my family."

If you need more ideas, ask family, friends, co-workers and others what they see as your skills. To avoid putting anyone on the spot, send an e-mail or a quick note rather than asking in person.

You could also show friends or family your list and ask if they have other skills to add.

If you're good with computers, create a spreadsheet to track your calorie intake.

Assess your achievements: Write down five recent achievements; then review the skills involved with attaining them. Now figure out which of those skills can be used to help with your weight-loss goals.

Keep at it: There are always roadblocks to difficult goals. "Be prepared to rebound from the temporary setback. Remember that even the best basketball player rarely makes half the shots he takes. In fact, in most sports, succeeding (getting a hit, getting a first serve in) half the time is usually a good percentage," says Danish.

Charles Stuart Platkin is a nutrition and public-health advocate, and author of "Breaking the FAT Pattern" (Plume, 2006). Sign up for the free Diet Detective newsletter at www.dietdetective.com.