Implementation intention

An implementation intention (II) is a self-regulatory strategy in the form of an if-then-plan (“If situation X arises, I will perform response Y”) that can lead to better goal attainment. It is subordinate to goal intentions as it specifies the when, where and how of a goal-directed behavior. The concept of implementation intentions was introduced by the psychologist Peter Gollwitzer (for a summary see: Gollwitzer, 1999). that implementation intentions help people initiate working towards their goal and help make the process feel automatic over time.

Concept

Following the argumentation that people generally do have good intentions but failing to act on them (Orbell&Sheeran, 1998) the essential question is how goal intentions, once set, will more reliably lead to goal-directed behavior and attainment of goals.

Goal achievement normally makes necessary certain goal-directed behavior. There are various reasons why...
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