What is Implementation Intentions?

Implementation Intentions is a mental model used for better thinking and decision-making.

How do you apply Implementation Intentions?

To apply Implementation Intentions, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Implementation Intentions fall under?

Implementation Intentions falls under the High Performance & Learning category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the High Performance & Learning hub page.

Why is Implementation Intentions important?

Implementation Intentions is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

Where does Implementation Intentions come from?

Implementation Intentions is discussed in the tradition of Peter Gollwitzer.

High Performance & Learning

Implementation Intentions

Model #0759Category: High Performance & LearningSource: Peter GollwitzerDepth to apply:

4 min read

Contents

1. Core Idea
2. How to See It
3. How to Use It
4. Founders & Leaders
5. Connected Models
6. One Key Quote
7. Summary & Further Reading

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High Performance & Learning

Section 1

Core Idea

Implementation intentions are pre-decided if-then plans that specify when, where, and how you will perform a behaviour: "If situation X occurs, then I will do Y." The mechanism, established by Peter Gollwitzer's research, is that pre-loading a specific response to a specific cue automates execution and bypasses the need for in-the-moment deliberation. Without implementation intentions, goals remain abstract ("I want to exercise more"). With them, goals become concrete triggers ("When I finish my morning coffee, I will put on running shoes and run for 20 minutes"). Studies show implementation intentions roughly double follow-through rates compared to goals alone. For founders, this converts vague priorities into automatic execution.