Implementation intentions: from priority to action
Why do Monday's priorities often sit untouched on Friday? Motivation psychology offers a simple, tested tool.
The principle
Peter Gollwitzer and Paschal Sheeran (2006, Advances in Experimental Social Psychology) synthesise nearly a hundred studies: 'if situation X, then I do Y' plans are associated with better goal attainment.
Effect scope
The meta-analysis reports a medium-to-large effect, but studies often involve simple behaviours rather than complex professional tasks.
The nuance
The tool helps start; it does not replace choosing the right priorities or negotiating workload. (our executive and employee training programmes)
The limit of common practice
Priority lists say what to do, rarely when and in which triggering situation.
A practical check in Basel
For the week's three priorities, write an 'if… then…' sentence with time and place. On Friday count how many were started, versus weeks without it. To go further: explore the Time Management & Prioritisation training in Basel, or browse our executive and employee training programmes in Switzerland.
In pictures: Time Management & Prioritisation in Basel
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