5 - Intentions to Actions

Summary

Intentions are certainly an important step in the goal-pursuit process, as they clarify our course of action. Yet intentions are meaningless without action. Indeed, self-control is about more than simply knowing the course of action to pursue our goals; we must execute those actions as well. However, the reality is that the transition from intention to action can be incredibly difficult. Our inability to act in ways that adhere to our intentions can derail the goal pursuit process. However, there are ways to ease the course from intention to action, whether it be itemizing a step-by-step plan so that it becomes habitual, capitalizing on factors in our environment to nudge us toward action, or disrupting our environment to making on opportunities to change our behavior. Yet whatever the method, easing the transition from intention to action is essential to getting beyond merely stating our commitment to our goals and establishing a consistent pattern of action that maximizes goal pursuit.