Implementation intention

The psychologist Peter Gollwitzer has developed the implementation hypothesis for better goal attainment. The idea is that planning in advance when, where and how one will complete a self assigned goal will lead to greater success. An implementation intention is the name of the plan that one creates. Studies have shown (e.g. Gollwitzer & Brandstatter, 1997) that implementation intentions help people initiate working towards their goal and help make the process feel automatic over time. There is an especially large effect size for goals that are harder to complete.

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Papers

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