Question 1

What is an implementation intention?

Accepted Answer

An implementation intention is a specific "When X happens, I will do Y" plan that links a situational cue to a behaviour. Research by Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006) found that forming implementation intentions increased goal follow-through by 200–300% compared to vague intentions like "I plan to study". The specificity — trigger, action, time, place — is the active ingredient.

Question 2

How do I choose a good trigger for my study commitment?

Accepted Answer

The best triggers are things you already do reliably every day — finishing dinner, arriving home, making morning coffee, sitting at your desk. Link your study session to an event that always happens, not to a time or motivation. "When I sit down at my desk after school" is a stronger trigger than "at 4pm every day" because the physical cue is more reliable than clock-watching.

Question 3

How long should my study sessions be?

Accepted Answer

Start with 25–45 minutes if you are building the habit from scratch. A shorter session you complete every day beats a longer session you skip. Once the trigger-to-study habit is automatic (usually 3–4 weeks), extend the duration. Two 25-minute Pomodoro sessions with a break is a good target for a single subject commitment.

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