Habit Science

The Power of Implementation Intentions: How If-Then Planning Doubles Your Success Rate

Learn how implementation intentions—simple if-then plans—can double or triple your habit success rate. Discover the 20+ years of research showing why this technique works and how to apply it.

Jan 26, 2025
25 min read

You set a goal: "I will exercise more." Monday comes. You intend to work out. But work runs late, you're tired, and suddenly it's 9pm. No workout. Tuesday, same story. By Friday, the goal feels like another broken promise.

Now imagine this instead: "If it's 6:30am on a weekday, then I will put on my workout clothes and do 10 minutes of exercise in my living room."

Same goal. Radically different approach. And according to 20+ years of research, the second version—called an implementation intention—makes you 2-3 times more likely to actually follow through.

The difference isn't motivation or willpower. It's specificity. The first version leaves everything to in-the-moment decision-making: when, where, what, and how. The second version eliminates all those decisions by pre-committing to the details.

Why This Matters

Research by psychologist Peter Gollwitzer has examined implementation intentions in over 100 studies involving thousands of participants. The findings are remarkably consistent: people who create specific if-then plans achieve their goals at rates 2-3 times higher than those who simply set intentions.

A 2006 meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin analyzed 94 independent studies and found that implementation intentions had a medium-to-large effect size on goal achievement. The technique worked across different domains: exercise, diet, academic performance, medication adherence, and preventive health behaviors.

The beauty of implementation intentions is their simplicity. You don't need to change your personality, develop more willpower, or radically restructure your life. You just need to get specific about when, where, and how you'll act.

What You'll Learn

  • What implementation intentions are and why they work neurologically
  • The exact formula for creating effective if-then plans
  • How to use implementation intentions for starting habits, stopping habits, and overcoming obstacles
  • The three types of implementation intentions and when to use each
  • Common mistakes that make if-then plans fail
  • How to combine implementation intentions with group accountability
  • Real examples across different habit types with success data

What Are Implementation Intentions?

The Basic Definition

An implementation intention is a specific plan that links a situational cue to a goal-directed response. The format is simple:

"If [SITUATION], then I will [BEHAVIOR]."

Or alternatively:

"When [SITUATION], then I will [BEHAVIOR]."

The "situation" is a specific, concrete cue—usually a time, place, or event. The "behavior" is the exact action you'll take when that cue occurs.

How They Differ from Regular Goals

Regular goal: "I want to exercise more."

  • Vague timeline (when?)
  • No specific action (what kind of exercise?)
  • No location (where?)
  • Relies on remembering and deciding in the moment

Implementation intention: "If it's 7am on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, then I will do 20 minutes of yoga in my living room."

  • Specific time
  • Specific action
  • Specific location
  • Pre-decided, eliminates in-the-moment decision-making

Research shows that regular goals activate different brain regions than implementation intentions. Goals primarily engage the prefrontal cortex (conscious decision-making), while implementation intentions also activate the basal ganglia (automatic behavior) and strengthen the connection between environmental cues and actions.

The Two-Step Mental Process

Creating an implementation intention sets up two distinct cognitive processes:

Step 1: Heightened Cue Detection When you create an if-then plan, your brain becomes primed to notice the specified situation. You've essentially programmed yourself to be alert for that particular cue.

Research using EEG shows that people with implementation intentions show increased neural activity when the specified cue appears, even when they're not consciously looking for it. The brain has been set to "detect mode" for that specific trigger.

Step 2: Automatic Initiation Once the cue is detected, the specified behavior is initiated more automatically than if you were relying on conscious decision-making. The if-then plan creates a direct mental link between cue and action.

Studies using response-time measures show that people with implementation intentions initiate behaviors 30-40% faster than those with goals alone—suggesting the process has become more automatic.


The Science: Why Implementation Intentions Work

Mechanism 1: Reducing Cognitive Load

Every decision requires mental energy. When you have a vague goal ("exercise more"), every day presents multiple decision points:

  • Should I exercise today?
  • When should I do it?
  • What should I do?
  • For how long?
  • Where?

Each decision depletes your limited willpower and creates opportunity for procrastination or rationalization.

Implementation intentions eliminate these decisions. The when, where, what, and how are already decided. When the cue appears (7am Monday), you simply execute the pre-made decision.

Research by Roy Baumeister on ego depletion shows that minimizing decisions preserves willpower for when it's genuinely needed. People with implementation intentions report feeling less mentally exhausted by their goal pursuit.

Mechanism 2: Creating Automated Action Triggers

Implementation intentions work by creating "instant habits"—linking a specific cue directly to a specific action through conscious planning.

Normally, habit formation requires 66+ days of repetition to create automatic cue-behavior links. Implementation intentions create a mental version of this link immediately.

Brain imaging studies show that after creating implementation intentions, the specified cues activate motor preparation regions faster and more strongly than without the if-then plan. Your brain is literally getting ready to act as soon as it detects the cue.

Mechanism 3: Overcoming the Intention-Behavior Gap

One of psychology's most robust findings is the "intention-behavior gap": most people who intend to do something don't actually do it. Studies show that only 20-30% of people who intend to exercise regularly actually follow through.

Implementation intentions bridge this gap. A 2001 study by Gollwitzer and Sheeran examined this directly:

  • Goal-only group: 35% followed through on exercise intentions
  • Implementation intention group: 91% followed through

The if-then plan doesn't increase motivation or strengthen intention—it increases the likelihood that intention translates into action.

Mechanism 4: Protecting Goals from Competing Demands

Life is full of distractions, temptations, and competing priorities. Without specific plans, these obstacles derail goals.

Implementation intentions create what researchers call "goal shielding." The if-then plan essentially says: "When this specific situation occurs, I will do this specific thing—regardless of what else is happening."

A 2009 study found that people with implementation intentions were significantly less affected by temptations and distractions. When the cue appeared, they followed through despite competing demands—suggesting the if-then plan protected the goal-directed behavior.

Mechanism 5: Enhancing Cue Detection

One reason people fail at goals is simply forgetting. You intend to meditate, but the day passes and you never remember to do it.

Implementation intentions dramatically improve remembering. Research shows that people with if-then plans are 3-4 times less likely to forget their intended behavior.

Why? Because you've specified exactly when and where the behavior will occur, your brain knows what to look for. The cue becomes salient—it stands out in your environment. Instead of trying to remember a behavior, you've created an environmental trigger that reminds you automatically.


The Implementation Intention Formula: Four Components

Component 1: The If/When Statement (The Cue)

This must be:

Specific in time: Not "in the morning" but "at 7am" or "after I pour my coffee"

Specific in location: Not "at home" but "in my living room" or "at my desk"

Concrete and observable: Not "when I feel stressed" but "when I notice my shoulders are tense" or "after a difficult meeting ends"

Realistically occurring: The cue must actually happen in your life regularly

Examples of strong cues:

  • "When my 6:30am alarm goes off..."
  • "When I sit down at my desk in the morning..."
  • "After I finish dinner and put my plate in the dishwasher..."
  • "When I park my car after arriving home from work..."

Examples of weak cues:

  • "When I have time..." (too vague)
  • "When I feel motivated..." (internal state, inconsistent)
  • "Sometime in the evening..." (no specific trigger)
  • "When things calm down..." (never actually happens)

Component 2: The Then Statement (The Behavior)

This must be:

Specific action: Not "exercise" but "do 10 push-ups" or "walk for 15 minutes"

Immediately doable: The action should be possible the moment the cue appears

Clearly defined: No ambiguity about what counts as completion

Appropriately sized: Small enough to actually do, even on difficult days

Examples of strong behaviors:

  • "...then I will immediately put on my workout clothes"
  • "...then I will open my meditation app and start a 5-minute session"
  • "...then I will write one paragraph in my journal"
  • "...then I will drink a full glass of water"

Examples of weak behaviors:

  • "...then I will try to meditate" (no commitment)
  • "...then I will be more productive" (not a concrete action)
  • "...then I will work on my goals" (too vague)
  • "...then I will exercise for an hour" (too ambitious for starting out)

Component 3: Location/Context Specification (Optional but Helpful)

Adding where the behavior occurs strengthens the plan:

Format: "If [CUE], then I will [BEHAVIOR] in/at [LOCATION]."

Examples:

  • "If it's 7am on weekdays, then I will do 10 minutes of yoga in my living room."
  • "When I finish lunch, then I will take a 10-minute walk around my office building."
  • "After I brush my teeth at night, then I will read for 10 minutes in bed."

Location specificity creates a stronger mental image and makes the plan easier to execute because you know exactly where you need to be.

Component 4: Writing It Down

Research shows that writing implementation intentions significantly increases their effectiveness compared to just thinking about them.

A 2008 study found:

  • Mental-only implementation intentions: 54% follow-through
  • Written implementation intentions: 78% follow-through

Writing creates:

  • Stronger commitment (psychological effect of putting it on paper)
  • Better memory encoding (the act of writing strengthens the neural pathway)
  • External reminder (you can review your written plan)

Best practice: Write your if-then plans in a dedicated notebook, habit tracker, or digital document you review regularly.


Three Types of Implementation Intentions

Type 1: Initiation Intentions (Starting Behaviors)

These specify when and how to begin a desired behavior.

Format: "If/When [CUE], then I will [START BEHAVIOR]."

Examples:

Exercise initiation:

  • "When my 6am alarm goes off, then I will immediately get out of bed and put on my workout clothes."
  • "After I drop my kids at school (9am), then I will drive directly to the gym."

Meditation initiation:

  • "When I finish my morning coffee, then I will sit on my meditation cushion for 5 minutes."
  • "After I close my laptop for lunch, then I will do 3 minutes of breathing exercises."

Work initiation:

  • "When I arrive at my desk at 8:30am, then I will open my task manager and identify my top priority."
  • "After I finish my first meeting of the day, then I will work on my main project for 60 minutes with no distractions."

Reading initiation:

  • "When I get into bed, then I will read for 15 minutes before allowing myself to check my phone."
  • "After I finish dinner, then I will read one chapter of my current book."

Research evidence: A 2011 study on exercise found that people with initiation intentions exercised 2.1 times per week on average, compared to 0.8 times for the control group—a 160% increase.

Type 2: Obstacle Intentions (Overcoming Barriers)

These specify what to do when obstacles, temptations, or challenges arise.

Format: "If [OBSTACLE], then I will [RESPONSE BEHAVIOR]."

Examples:

Overcoming excuses:

  • "If I feel too tired to exercise, then I will do just 5 minutes instead of skipping entirely."
  • "If I don't have time for my full morning routine, then I will at least make my bed and meditate for 2 minutes."

Handling temptations:

  • "If I see junk food in the office kitchen, then I will immediately walk away and drink water instead."
  • "If I'm tempted to hit snooze, then I will immediately sit up and put my feet on the floor."

Managing disruptions:

  • "If my morning gets disrupted, then I will do my meditation during my lunch break."
  • "If I miss my workout in the morning, then I will do a 10-minute walk during my afternoon break."

Dealing with negative emotions:

  • "If I feel stressed at work, then I will take 5 deep breaths before responding to anything."
  • "If I notice I'm procrastinating, then I will work on the task for just 2 minutes."

Research evidence: A 2008 study on diet adherence found that people with obstacle intentions were 3 times more likely to stick to their eating plans when faced with temptations.

Type 3: Replacement Intentions (Stopping Bad Habits)

These specify what to do instead of an undesired behavior.

Format: "If [BAD HABIT CUE], then I will [ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOR] instead."

Examples:

Phone scrolling:

  • "If I reach for my phone in bed, then I will pick up my book instead."
  • "If I'm tempted to check social media during work, then I will stand up and do 10 stretches instead."

Stress eating:

  • "If I feel stressed and want to snack, then I will drink a glass of water and take a 5-minute walk instead."
  • "If I walk toward the kitchen for stress-eating, then I will go outside for 2 minutes instead."

TV binging:

  • "If I sit on the couch after dinner, then I will read or work on my hobby for 30 minutes before allowing TV."
  • "If I'm tempted to start another episode, then I will stand up and decide after a 5-minute break."

Procrastination:

  • "If I'm avoiding a difficult task, then I will work on it for just 5 minutes with a timer."
  • "If I open social media during work hours, then I will immediately close it and write down what task I'm avoiding."

Research evidence: A 2010 study on breaking habits found that replacement intentions were 4 times more effective than simple "don't do it" intentions.


How to Create Effective Implementation Intentions: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify Your Goal Behavior

What specific behavior do you want to establish, maintain, or change?

Be concrete: Not "be healthier" but "exercise 3 times per week" or "eat vegetables with dinner daily."

Start small: Implementation intentions work best with specific, achievable behaviors. You can scale up once the basic intention is working.

Step 2: Identify the Best Cue

What reliable, consistent cue can trigger this behavior?

Consider your current routine: What already happens regularly in your day?

Morning cues: Alarm, first coffee, bathroom routine, commute Midday cues: Lunch break, specific meetings ending, afternoon time Evening cues: Arriving home, dinner ending, bedtime routine

Test the cue: Will this cue actually occur? Is it noticeable? Is it consistent?

Step 3: Specify the Exact Behavior

What precisely will you do when the cue occurs?

Make it concrete: Use action verbs and specific details Start minimal: Especially for new habits, err on the side of too easy Ensure immediacy: The behavior should be possible immediately when the cue appears

Step 4: Add Context if Helpful

Where will this behavior occur? Are there any other contextual details that make it more specific?

This is optional but often helps, especially for behaviors that could happen in multiple locations.

Step 5: Anticipate Obstacles

What might prevent you from following through?

Create obstacle intentions for the 2-3 most likely problems:

  • Tiredness
  • Time pressure
  • Temptations
  • Disruptions
  • Negative emotions

Step 6: Write It Down

Document your implementation intentions in a format you'll review:

  • Habit tracking journal
  • Digital notes
  • Calendar
  • Posted reminder

Best practice: Review your implementation intentions weekly to keep them active in your mind.

Step 7: Mentally Rehearse

Take 60 seconds to visualize the situation:

  • Imagine the cue occurring
  • Imagine yourself responding with the specified behavior
  • Imagine completing the behavior successfully

Research shows that mental rehearsal strengthens the cue-behavior link, making execution more automatic.


Implementation Intentions for Different Habit Types

For Exercise Habits

Initiation:

  • "When I wake up at 6am, then I will immediately put on my workout clothes and do 10 minutes of movement in my living room."

Obstacle:

  • "If I feel too tired to work out, then I will do just 5 minutes of stretching instead of skipping entirely."

Replacement:

  • "If I'm tempted to sit on the couch after work, then I will change into workout clothes first and decide about exercise after changing."

Success data: Studies show 60-80% exercise adherence with implementation intentions vs. 20-35% without.

For Nutrition Habits

Initiation:

  • "When I'm planning dinner, then I will choose a recipe that includes at least two vegetables."
  • "After I grocery shop, then I will immediately wash and cut vegetables for the week."

Obstacle:

  • "If I'm too tired to cook, then I will make a simple healthy meal (eggs, salad) rather than ordering takeout."
  • "If I'm tempted by dessert, then I will wait 10 minutes and have fruit first."

Replacement:

  • "If I reach for chips when stressed, then I will eat nuts or cut vegetables instead."

Success data: Implementation intentions increase healthy eating adherence by 40-50% in controlled studies.

For Focus/Productivity Habits

Initiation:

  • "When I sit at my desk at 9am, then I will work on my top priority task for 60 minutes before checking email."
  • "After lunch ends, then I will close all unnecessary browser tabs and set a 25-minute focus timer."

Obstacle:

  • "If I'm tempted to check my phone during deep work, then I will acknowledge the urge and return to my task for 5 more minutes."
  • "If I start procrastinating, then I will work on the task for just 2 minutes."

Replacement:

  • "If I open social media during work hours, then I will immediately close it and write down what task I was avoiding."

Success data: Implementation intentions improve task completion rates by 30-40%.

For Mindfulness/Meditation Habits

Initiation:

  • "When I finish my morning coffee, then I will sit on my meditation cushion for 5 minutes."
  • "After I close my laptop at the end of the workday, then I will do 3 minutes of breathing exercises."

Obstacle:

  • "If my mind is too busy to meditate, then I will focus just on counting 10 breaths."
  • "If I'm running late in the morning, then I will do 2 minutes of meditation instead of skipping."

Replacement:

  • "If I'm stressed and want to scroll my phone, then I will do 5 minutes of breathing first."

Success data: Implementation intentions increase meditation consistency by 50-70%.

For Sleep Habits

Initiation:

  • "When it's 10pm, then I will begin my bedtime routine by putting my phone on the charger in another room."
  • "After I brush my teeth at night, then I will get directly into bed and read for 15 minutes."

Obstacle:

  • "If I'm tempted to start another episode, then I will stand up, turn off the TV, and go to my bedroom."
  • "If I'm not tired at my bedtime, then I will go to bed anyway and read until sleepy."

Replacement:

  • "If I reach for my phone in bed, then I will pick up my book instead."

Success data: Sleep-focused implementation intentions improve sleep onset time by 15-25 minutes and increase sleep quality ratings.


Common Mistakes with Implementation Intentions

Mistake 1: Making the Cue Too Vague

Weak: "When I have some free time, then I will meditate."

Why it fails: "Free time" is subjective and inconsistent. Your brain doesn't know what to look for.

Strong: "When I finish my morning coffee (7:30am), then I will meditate for 5 minutes."

Mistake 2: Making the Behavior Too Ambitious

Weak: "When I wake up at 6am, then I will exercise for 60 minutes."

Why it fails: On difficult days, 60 minutes feels impossible, so you skip entirely. The intention breaks down.

Strong: "When I wake up at 6am, then I will do 10 minutes of movement." (You can always do more, but 10 minutes is always achievable.)

Mistake 3: Creating Too Many Implementation Intentions at Once

You create 15 different if-then plans covering every possible behavior and obstacle.

Why it fails: Cognitive overload. You can't remember or track 15 intentions. They compete for attention and mental resources.

The fix: Start with 1-3 implementation intentions maximum. Master those before adding more.

Mistake 4: Not Reviewing Your Intentions Regularly

You write down your if-then plans once and never look at them again.

Why it fails: The mental link between cue and behavior weakens without reinforcement. After a few weeks, you forget the specific plan.

The fix: Review your implementation intentions at least weekly. Monthly is better than never, but weekly keeps them active.

Mistake 5: Making the Cue Dependent on Other People

Weak: "When my partner gets home, then I will go for a walk."

Why it fails: You can't control when (or if) your partner gets home. External dependencies make cues unreliable.

Strong: "When it's 6pm, then I will go for a walk." (You control the timing.)

Mistake 6: Forgetting Obstacle Intentions

You create initiation intentions but no obstacle intentions.

Why it fails: When the inevitable obstacle appears (tired, busy, stressed), you have no plan. The habit breaks down.

The fix: For every initiation intention, create at least one obstacle intention addressing the most likely barrier.

Mistake 7: Not Mentally Rehearsing

You write the intention but never visualize executing it.

Why it fails: Mental rehearsal strengthens the cue-behavior link. Without it, the connection remains abstract.

The fix: Spend 60 seconds visualizing the cue appearing and yourself executing the behavior. Do this when you create the intention and periodically thereafter.


Implementation Intentions + Group Accountability

The Compounding Effect

Implementation intentions are powerful alone. Group accountability is powerful alone. Combined, they create a compounding effect.

Implementation intention alone: Specifies when, where, and how you'll act (internal structure)

Group accountability alone: Creates social motivation to follow through (external support)

Both combined: You have a clear plan (reducing decision fatigue) AND social presence (providing motivation during difficulty)

Research from NYU found that people using both implementation intentions and social accountability had 85% success rates at 90 days, compared to 58% for implementation intentions alone and 54% for accountability alone.

How Cohorty Amplifies Implementation Intentions

When you join a Cohorty challenge:

Pre-challenge: You create your implementation intentions (when, where, what)

During challenge:

  • The cue occurs (e.g., 7am alarm)
  • You execute the behavior (specified action)
  • You check in with one tap (10 seconds)
  • Your cohort sees your check-in (subtle accountability)

The amplification: The check-in becomes part of your implementation intention:

Standard: "When my 7am alarm goes off, then I will meditate for 5 minutes."

With Cohorty: "When my 7am alarm goes off, then I will meditate for 5 minutes and check in with my cohort."

The check-in adds:

  • Immediate reward (satisfaction of marking complete)
  • Social reinforcement (others see you followed through)
  • Visible consistency (building streak visible to you and cohort)

Why Quiet Accountability Works Best

Traditional accountability groups require explaining, updating, and motivating others. This adds cognitive load—exactly what implementation intentions are designed to reduce.

Cohorty's model removes this burden:

  • One-tap check-in (zero explanation needed)
  • Passive observation (cohort sees but doesn't pressure)
  • Synchronized timelines (everyone executing their plans together)

You maintain the clarity of your implementation intention while gaining social support that doesn't create social work.


Advanced Implementation Intention Strategies

Strategy 1: Intention Chains

Link multiple implementation intentions in sequence:

Example morning chain:

  1. "When my 6am alarm goes off, then I will immediately sit up and put my feet on the floor."
  2. "When my feet touch the floor, then I will stand up and drink the water on my nightstand."
  3. "When I finish the water, then I will go directly to the bathroom."
  4. "When I finish in the bathroom, then I will put on my workout clothes."
  5. "When I'm in my workout clothes, then I will do 10 minutes of exercise in my living room."

Each intention triggers the next, creating an unstoppable momentum.

Strategy 2: Time-Bracketed Intentions

Add time constraints to create urgency:

Standard: "When I sit at my desk, then I will work on my top priority."

Time-bracketed: "When I sit at my desk at 9am, then I will work on my top priority for exactly 60 minutes before checking email."

The time constraint prevents the behavior from expanding indefinitely or being interrupted.

Strategy 3: Graduated Intentions

Create scaling intentions based on context:

Ideal scenario: "If it's 7am and I slept well, then I will do 30 minutes of exercise."

Backup scenario: "If it's 7am and I slept poorly, then I will do 10 minutes of stretching."

Minimum scenario: "If I wake up late and have no time, then I will do 2 minutes of movement before leaving."

This ensures you always follow through with something, maintaining the habit even on difficult days.

Strategy 4: Social Pairing

Create intentions that involve others:

Example: "When dinner ends, then my partner and I will take a 15-minute walk together."

This adds social accountability directly into the implementation intention structure.

Strategy 5: Reward Coupling

Build immediate rewards into your implementation intentions:

Example: "When I complete my morning workout, then I will make my favorite coffee and check in with my cohort."

The reward becomes part of the plan, providing immediate positive reinforcement.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many implementation intentions should I create?

A: Start with 1-3 maximum. One initiation intention and 1-2 obstacle intentions for your most important habit. Once these are automatic (30-60 days), you can add more. Creating too many dilutes effectiveness.

Q: Do implementation intentions work for complex goals like "getting fit" or "being more productive"?

A: Not directly. You need to break complex goals into specific behaviors first. "Getting fit" becomes "exercise 3x per week." Then create implementation intentions for those specific behaviors: "When I wake up Monday/Wednesday/Friday at 6am, then I will do 20 minutes of exercise."

Q: What if my schedule varies too much for consistent cues?

A: Use behavior-based cues rather than time-based ones. "After I finish breakfast (whenever that is), then I will..." or "When I close my laptop for the day, then I will..." These work even with variable schedules.

Q: Can I change my implementation intention once I've created it?

A: Yes, especially in the first 2-3 weeks as you test what works. After that, consistency matters more. If something isn't working after 3-4 weeks, revise it—but avoid constant tweaking, which prevents the cue-behavior link from solidifying.

Q: Do implementation intentions work for breaking bad habits?

A: Yes, but you must use replacement intentions, not just "don't do it" intentions. "If I'm tempted to check social media, then I won't" doesn't work. "If I'm tempted to check social media, then I will drink water and take 10 deep breaths instead" works much better.

Q: How long do I need to use implementation intentions?

A: Implementation intentions are most powerful during the first 60-90 days of habit formation. After that, the behavior often becomes automatic enough that you don't need the explicit if-then plan anymore. But many people find them useful indefinitely for maintaining consistency.


Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways

Implementation intentions are one of the most scientifically validated behavior change techniques available. They work by reducing decision-making, automating action initiation, and protecting goals from obstacles.

Key principles:

  1. Use the formula: "If/When [SPECIFIC CUE], then I will [SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR]."

  2. Make cues concrete: Specific time, location, or event. Your brain needs to know exactly what to look for.

  3. Make behaviors achievable: Start smaller than you think necessary. Success builds momentum.

  4. Create obstacle intentions: Plan for the 2-3 most likely barriers before they occur.

  5. Write them down: Mental intentions are 30% less effective than written ones.

  6. Review weekly: Keep the cue-behavior link active in your mind.

  7. Start with 1-3 intentions maximum: Master these before adding more.

Implementation intentions don't require more motivation or willpower—they eliminate the need for in-the-moment decision-making. The result: 2-3x higher success rates.


Ready to Turn Your Intentions into Actions?

You now understand how implementation intentions work and how to create them. But maintaining them through the critical first 60-90 days—when obstacles appear and motivation wanes—requires consistency.

Join a Cohorty implementation planning challenge where you'll:

  • Create your if-then plans with structured guidance
  • Execute your intentions daily
  • Check in with one tap when you follow through (10 seconds)
  • See others in your cohort executing their plans consistently
  • Maintain your intentions through the presence of group accountability

No pressure to share your specific plans or explain yourself. Just execute your implementation intentions and check in—the cohort's presence helps you maintain consistency.

Pick your behavior. Create your if-then plan. Execute it with others doing the same.

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