Intention isn’t enough.

Almost 20 years ago, psychologist Peter Gollwitzer showed us that when we’re serious about doing something, we’re more likely to follow through if we set an “action trigger” by deciding when and where we’ll execute the task.

  • Don’t decide to “start working out next week.” Plan to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill directly after work on Monday.
  • Don’t “work on studying more.” Shoehorn an extra hour in the library into your schedule three mornings a week after your biology class.
  • Don’t “try to spend more time with your kids.” Make Friday nights into family movie night.

It’s true in so many areas of life: clarity pays off big time.