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Frequently Asked Questions

Here we answer many of the questions our customers have asked over the years.

About the MotivAider®

How long has the MotivAider been around?
Believe it or not, the MotivAider has been in use worldwide for over two decades. Originally developed for use in the health care industry, it's now flourishing as well in the education, business, sports, and self-improvement industries.
What kinds of things have people used the MotivAider to accomplish?
The MotivAider has helped users of all ages all over the world make an unbelievably wide range of changes. See just some of the goals MotivAider users have achieved.
I like the concept, but why don't you make the MotivAider more compact?
The MotivAider was designed from scratch to be an effective instrument for changing habits. Every aspect of the MotivAider - including its size - is the result of painstaking efforts to ensure that users will get the best possible results.
I'd really like to buy a MotivAider, but I'm questioning the price. I can buy an electronic timer for a lot less. Is the MotivAider really worth what it costs?
Users will tell you that the MotivAider is worth its weight in gold because of the changes it's enabled them to make. To learn more, visit How Much is a MotivAider Worth?
Can I use the MotivAider for more than one purpose at a time?
The MotivAider was designed to maximize your ability to change habits. A key element in the MotivAider's approach to changing habits is the idea of focusing on making one change at a time. Although some users have reported success in using the device for multiple purposes simultaneously, we believe that most users will achieve the best possible results if they concentrate on making just one change at a time. As soon as one desired change becomes habit (that is, when you continue doing things the new way without the MotivAider's help), you can move on to the next change you want to make.
How do I get my personal message into the MotivAider?
You don't! You "store" your personal message privately in your own mind. Once you mentally associate your personal message with the MotivAider's vibration signal, whenever you feel the MotivAider vibrate, you'll automatically think your message. It works the same way that hearing a ringing telephone reminds you "someone is calling."
I understand you have a new (silver) model. Does it operate differently from the previous (grey) model?
Although both models are capable of sending signals at variable intervals, the two models differ in the way that they do this. In the variable mode, the earlier model sends signals at average intervals; the new model sends signals at truly random intervals. With the earlier model, if you enter an interval of 10 minutes, you'll get signals that range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes apart. With the new model, if you enter an interval of 10 minutes, you'll get signals that are selected at random from 1 through 10 minutes apart.

Ordering and Shipping

How soon after I order will you ship?
We generally ship no later than by the next business day. We typically ship small domestic orders by U.S. Priority Mail, so you should receive your MotivAider in 2-4 days. International orders obviously take longer, and there can be frustrating delays in Customs. See more about shipping.

Operating the MotivAider®

I'd like to keep things as simple as possible. Do I have to use the advanced user settings?
The vast majority of users leave the MotivAider in the standard or default mode and get excellent results. In this mode, the only thing you have to set is the amount of time you want to pass between signals. If you're not sure if your MotivAider is in the standard mode, just remove and reinstall the battery to reset all functions to the factory-default levels.
Can I make the vibration stronger or weaker?
You sure can! You can choose from 5 intensity levels that range from a gentle tapping to a fairly strong and steady vibration. You can also increase the length of each vibration signal. (For some users, increasing the duration of the signal is more effective than increasing its strength, so don't overlook that possibility.)See how to make adjustments.(Instructions will open in a NEW browser window.)
I lost the operating instructions. How can I find out how to make my MotivAider work the way I want it to?
Please visit the Resources page where you'll find basic operating instructions, help with advanced settings, and an opportunity to download The Complete Guide.
I messed up the settings on my MotivAider. Is there an easy way to reset it?
The easiest way to restore ALL factory default settings is to remove and reinstall the battery. If you just want to reset the time interval without changing other settings (like vibration strength, etc.), you can press the UP and DOWN buttons at the same time to zero the display.

Maximizing Results

How do I know how often to set the signal to go off?
How often you should have the MotivAider send you signals depends on a number of factors including the kind of change you're trying to make. For most users and most habits, starting out with a signal every 10 or 15 minutes works fine. If you're not sure, it's better to send signals less frequently to start with and then increase the frequency once you start to get results. You'll find some general guidelines and useful tips in chapter 6 of The Complete Guide,, which you can download for free.
I'm not noticing some of the signals. What should I do?
It's perfectly normal to not be actively aware of some of the MotivAider's signals. Not noticing signals is only a problem if you're not getting the results you want. If your results could be better, first try ( increasing the vibration strength and/or increasing the duration of the vibration signal. If adjusting the signal doesn't help, then please visit our Resources page where you'll find the downloadable Complete Guide. Chapter 7 of the Guide will show you how to improve results by systematically making other changes.
I'm noticing the MotivAider's signals and I remember what to do, but I'm not consistently doing it. How can I get better results?
You probably need to change the message you assign to the MotivAider's vibration. Instead of just reminding you what action to take, your new message should remind you why to take it, that is, it should focus your attention on a powerful personal reason for making the desired change. For more help crafting motivating messages, click here to visit our Resources page. In addition to a link to tips on how to devise effective personal messages, you'll be able to download The Complete Guide to the MotivAider. You'll find Chapter 4 of the Guide to be particularly helpful.

Troubleshooting

My MotivAider isn't working right. What can I do?
First of all, rest assured that if we can't help you get your MotivAider working properly again, we'll promptly repair or replace it. First try our troubleshooting instructions. If you don't find a solution there, please call us at 1-800-356-1506 or email us for help.
My display (screen) went blank. What should I do?
First try a fresh battery. If that doesn't help, clean the battery contacts inside the MotivAider with a pencil eraser.(Even better, clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing - isopropyl- alcohol.) Then reinstall the battery by first inserting the negative (flat) end and then just barely touching the metal contact inside the MotivAider with the positive battery terminal (the bump). Check the display. If it's working again, fully insert the battery and rotate it back and forth in place a few times. If the display remains blank, please contact us for further instructions.
Some of the digits on the screen are missing segments. What should I do?
Please contact us for instructions.
I haven't used my MotivAider for quite a while. I want to use it again but it doesn't vibrate even though I can see numbers on the screen. What should I do?
First make sure the battery is fresh. Even if the display is bright, the battery may not have enough power to operate the vibrator mechansism. If your MotivAider still doesn't vibrate with a fresh battery, try this: With the switch at SET, press both timer control buttons at the same time. Then move the switch to RUN. Now hit the MotivAider's side against a book or other hard surface. (Don't be afraid to give it a good whack.) Repeat several times. If the MotivAider starts vibrating, let it continue for about 30 seconds before moving the switch back to SET. If it still doesn't vibrate, please contact us for further instructions.

Following Through - the Book

Where can I get a copy of Following Through?
You can purchase the latest edition of Following Through from Behavioral Dynamics, Inc., from resellers like Amazon.com, or directly from the publisher. Learn more about Following Through.