How to Design for Long-Term Behavior Change—Part 1: New Habit Formation

Hm, read everything and all the comments.

Short term motivation may work in many employee situations which is why many companies use extrinsic motivators. We all agree there.

However, customers, well, we want lifetime customers if possible. We may be willing to invest more to make them lifetime customers. To make it so that our products and services are bought and used habitually. We go to the gym habitually, church habitually, and buy coca cola habitually. When I think of changing the habits of a group of people (my customers, prospects, and employees) I think about religion. I know it is probably not the most politically correct place to go with illustrations. But religion has taught politics and business how to change habits, even the lives, of individuals and groups. Religion has been changing the habits of people longer than all of us. Why do you light incense every morning in the little shrine in your house? Why do you go to church every week? Why do you read the bible every day? Why do you believe what you believe and act how you act within the “border” of your religious or spiritual beliefs? I think Apple is successful because they built a "religion" more than a business. Apple customers have been loyal to the extreme since the 80s. Apple customers are not "mindless consumers" but part of a "movement"... a "rebellion." The big commercial in the 80s. Throw the big hammer at the screen and break the chains. You are free. Now join the revolution. Apple did a great job. Sorry if my response is too out there. For the record I only represent the views or opinions of myself. But I enjoy topics like this. Plenty to ponder. I will read article 2 now.