Discussion of recent research into how creating an intended action list when setting goals encourages the automatic action to reach goal.

My reading of the exceprt is also that you need to create and write down personal “autoresponse” commitments - for example: “if I fall below my target of making 2 client follow-up calls per day I will review my schedule and take action to reduce my other workload so I can keep my follow-up commitments”. In other words we need to think through in advance and create and commit to our own system of triggers and responses which then become almost automatic for us to execute when the time arises. That way we’re much more likely to respond positively to events rather than ignoring them or panicking at the time

Ian

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Good point. There are folks that set their goals, establish in writing the actions they must take to reach those goals, yet still aren’t reaching them. Gollwitzer’s research goes beyond the statements above, of course. Although writing out the actions that must be taken in order to reach a goal will help implement the needed actions and eliminate “temptation and fight bad habits,” these are no guarantee of success. Understanding the benefit of reaching the goal, envisioning the results of reaching the goal, and establishing an accountability program are all necessary.