Table 2.

Themes in motivation for behavior change reported by veteran panelists and representative quotes.

Motivational theme and description			Representative veteran quotes
Self-care
	The realization that something has gone off-track in regard to the Veteran’s health and the desire to get back to a healthier state	“I realized I couldn’t keep up with my kids for the first time.” “I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself.” “I didn’t like how I felt or looked, so that drove me to start exercising every single day and eat a lot healthier.”
Loved ones
	The desire to be an example for their loved ones and to be around to support their children or grandchildren	“I quit smoking 5 years ago…. We adopted 2 kids and I have grandkids. Just making sure I was around to see them grow up and wanted them to have me around.”
Financial or career advancement
	Anticipation of a benefit to one’s finances or career	“Was missing that degree checkbox on my resume. Lack of hire-ability for mobility from my current position.” “I quit smoking 20 years ago. What prompted me was how much money was going out.”
Personal identity
	The sense that the behavior change is the next logical step in their life or is consistent with who they want to become in life	“I always wanted to teach, so I did my Master’s… and I’m now a substitute teacher.” “After I got out of the Marines, I decided to go back to school for a graduate degree. It was the logical choice, always something I was interested in and I had GI Bill funding.”