From intention to a practical plan

Choose an opportunity you can recognize

Roman has a language exercise ready, but the plan “I’ll study more often” leaves it unclear when he’ll start. A more specific version might be: “When I put the dishes away after lunch on Tuesday, I’ll practice asking about accommodation dates at the table.” The situation is recognizable, and the first step is clear. He doesn’t have to choose all his study materials from scratch every time.

In their 2006 meta-analysis, Gollwitzer and Sheeran found that plans of the form “if this situation occurs, then I’ll take this step” had a positive average effect on goal achievement. A summary of different studies can’t guarantee the outcome of a particular plan. This kind of planning can’t create time, skills, or suitable conditions that aren’t there.

Check that the plan fits the situation. If Roman is usually traveling on Tuesdays after lunch, that’s not a suitable time. If he can’t find the exercise, he should prepare access to it in advance. A good plan names not just the behavior you want, but also takes into account what will realistically be possible at the time.

Prepare one reasonable alternative for a common obstacle. If an urgent commitment gets in the way at lunchtime, Roman can return to the exercise at an agreed time in the evening. He doesn’t need to make up for a missed attempt with an unreasonably long study session. If the same obstacle keeps recurring, it’s time to change the plan—not just make more promises to rely on willpower.