If you struggle to follow through on your intentions, there’s a surprisingly simple solution:
Make a plan.
There’s a world of difference between a vague intention like:
“I’ll get my flu shot next week.”
… And a concrete plan like:
“I’ll get my flu shot at the health clinic on Tuesday after work.”
Research shows that people who make plans are significantly more likely to follow through on their tasks1.
So, if you truly want to get something done, decide exactly when, where, and how you’ll do it.
Put in your calendar and set a reminder.
The better you plan ahead, the more likely you’ll be to follow through.
Footnote
- Beyond Good Intentions by Todd Rogers et al.