Changing behavior is hard. Understanding these steps can make it easier:
Persuade with reason, motivate with emotion.
- See the problem
- Believe in a solution
- Remove barriers
- Support and reinforcement
What you say matters
The Utah Health Values Study can help you to communicate with Utahns about healthy living in ways that are most likely to resonate with them and motivate them to change their behavior.
Verbalize these immediate or tangible benefits:
- feel healthier
- get sick less often
- have more energy
- improve physical abilities
- sleep better
- have a better mood
- get sharper focus
- avoid chronic diseases
Emphasize these emotional benefits (which matter more and are shared more universally):
- be productive
- take care of myself better
- have less stress and anxiety
- spend more time with those I love
- enjoy a high quality of life
- live life to the fullest
- take care of and provide for children/family/friends better
Use words that motivate
- Feeling fit
- Eating right
- Physical Activity
- Energy
- Healthy food choices
- Healthy eating
- Fresh Foods
- Active Lifestyles
Avoid words that discourage
- Exercise
- Diet
- Get Moving
- Obesity