Why does deciding fail where a plan succeeds?

Peter Gollwitzer & Paschal Sheeran · Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-Analysis · 2006

A · Replicated at scale

Across 94 studies, if-then plans ('if situation X arises, I will do Y') raise goal attainment with a medium-to-large effect, d ≈ 0.65. The mechanism is cue-triggered automaticity: the decision is made in advance, so it does not have to be won again at the moment of action.

ProbeWrite one if-then plan for tomorrow: 'If [time/place/cue], then I will [specific act].'

Source: Peter Gollwitzer & Paschal Sheeran, Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-Analysis (2006)

Shelf: Will

How much of your behaviour is character, and how much is situation?

Why does deciding fail where a plan succeeds?

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