When I was in my 11th grade class, my teacher taught me a valuable lesson that still sticks with me today. If you know your grammatical rules and break them purposefully for added emphasis or punch-value, then you’re adding flair to your writing. That’s a good thing, making your text more personal, flavorful and interesting.
But if you, have “no idea”, how to use proper grammar then, you’re cluttering your message; ‘annoying’ your reader and you run the risk: that they STOP reading before the end!!!
Do you see what she was talking about? Thought so.
When designing a wellness program, whether we are working with individuals or groups, the same idea applies.
Breaking the Rules of Health Promotion
It’s important to know what research says about effective health promotion models and strategies. It helps us think critically about what works and insures we do not repeat the same old mistakes others have made before.
At the same time, if we limit ourselves to what’s already been done, hiding safely behind “research shows” claims, then our offer may not be personalized, flexible or situationally relevant enough to excite anyone. Keep in mind that before they were “best practices”, what we now chant to be the most effective techniques were just an experiment.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
~Pablo Picasso
Of course, we don’t want to break the rules carelessly, but artfully. I’m sure you know the research and case studies that are most relevant to your audience. I also trust that you know your participant’s needs, goals and challenges. If you want to break the rules successfully, consider these questions:
- Have I thought of all the strategic implications: potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats inherent to the situation?
- Is this idea going to influence my participants: play to their strengths, speak to what brings meaning to their lives, avoid their sensitivities, align with their needs and goals?
- Is it going to help us build our relationship, or help build stronger relationships between participants?
- Can I execute and articulate this idea fully and in a compelling way?
Share Your Thoughts
I’d love to know: what bold, fresh, new, counter-intuitive, or peculiar strategies have you tried? Which ones are you thinking about? You can share them below, or on our Facebook page.