An implementation intention (II) is a self-regulatory strategy in the form of an if-then-plan ("If situation X arises, then I will perform response Y") that can lead to better goal attainment. It is subordinate to goal intentions as it specifies the when, where and how of a goal-directed behavior. The concept of implementation intentions was introduced by the psychologist Peter Gollwitzer (for a summary see: Gollwitzer, 1999). Studies have shown (e.g. Gollwitzer & Brandstatter, 1997) that implementation intentions help people initiate working towards their goal and help make the process feel automatic over time.
Read more about Implementation Intention: Concept, History, Implementation Intentions and Goal Shielding, Implementation Intentions and The Strategic Automation of Emotion Regulation, Critique
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“We call the intention good which is right in itself, but the action is good, not because it contains within it some good, but because it issues from a good intention. The same act may be done by the same man at different times. According to the diversity of his intention, however, this act may be at one time good, at another bad.”
—Peter Abelard (1079–1142)