Implementation Intentions
Updated 2026-08-15
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Peter Gollwitzer's construct specifies the behaviour in the form if situation X arises, then I will perform Y, naming the time, place, and action in advance. Goal intentions state what one wants, while implementation intentions state the cue that will initiate the act. The qualification is that the cue must be specific and the behaviour concrete, since plans built on vague conditions such as when there is time never trigger.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Use Cue Specification: name the exact time, place, and preceding event that will start the action. - Use Mental Rehearsal: picture the cue and the response together before the situation arrives.
Anchor fast decisions
Wanting an outcome competes with whatever the present moment offers, and deliberation under temptation tends to favour the immediate option. Binding the action to a specific cue moves the decision to a calm moment beforehand, so the cue itself initiates the behaviour without a fresh contest of will.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implementation_intentionverified
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