Ep-012: Implementation Intentions—The goal achievement game changer and why just having goals is not enough
About 80-20 Productivity Deep Dives
80-20 productivity deep dives is a series on 80 20 Productivity where Anthony Sanni discusses concepts and phenomena related to the 80-20 principle and explores how these concepts can be used to help you do more by doing less.
Episode Summary
Setting goals—also known as goal intentions—is simply not enough! What makes the real difference? That’s what this episode is about.
Through a combination of scientific research, personal experience and common-sense practicality, I explore Implementations Intentions and how they can help you go beyond goal intention to goal attainment. See timestamps below for some of the highlights.
Hope it helps.
Some of the main points—The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:
What is an implementation intention and how working out and getting fit is not just about setting goals
Hacking your own goal-pursuit behaviours—Why Implementation Intentions work (12:13)
No start, no achievement—Implementation Intentions and getting started (14:05)
When life happens—Preventing derailment and overcoming temptations (17:05)
Don’t get set in your ways—do Implementation intentions help you identify approaches that are not working? (20:50)
Overcoming the ego problem and becoming a robot, in a good way (24:20)
How to create solid and effective implementation intentions—Features of a good implementation intention based on research and experience (32:13)
Frequency, proximity and Convenience (35:15)
If/Then on steroids! Using If/then in deciding in advance (37:16)
Use technology smartly (40:05)
No magic bullet—Limitations of Implementation Intentions—and how you can fill the gaps (44:00)
Notes and References
Research on Implementation Intentions
Weakness of Will: Is a Quick Fix Possible? https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11031-014-9416-3
Implementation intentions in the entrepreneurial process: concept, empirical findings, and research agenda https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11187-017-9971-6
Implementation Intentions: Strong Effects of Simple Plans https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-05760-004
Book on Willpower: Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Dr Roy F. Baumeister
Anthony’s Book: The Law of The Vital Few
