The Intention to Act: How to Improve Your Vitality and Meaningful Work
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of knowing what you should do, yet struggling to take action? Or wondered why despite having the knowledge and awareness, people often fail to act on their intentions? Today, let's delve into the fascinating realm of action intentions and uncover the psychology behind why some individuals find it challenging to bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, you should have a richer understanding of:
The concept of action intentions and its significance in achieving vitality and meaningful work.
The psychological factors contributing to the knowing-doing gap.
Strategies to bridge the gap and turn intentions into action.
We've all been there—motivated by a grand idea or a desire for a more fulfilling life, only to find ourselves immobilised when it comes to actually implementing the necessary steps. As a keynote speaker and personal trainer, I've observed this phenomenon first hand in both my corporate training sessions and fitness coaching. But fear not, for understanding the underlying reasons can empower us to break free from this cycle.
The Significance of Action Intentions
Action intentions help guide our behaviour and turning abstract goals into actionable steps. They act as the brain’s blueprints that enables you to bridge the gap between “seeing” your aspirations and actually taking steps towards achieving them. In the context of vitality and meaningful work, action intentions is important for translating broad aspirations into concrete plans, thus fostering improved well-being and professional satisfaction.
Research in the field of psychology highlights the substantial impact of action intentions on behaviour. A study conducted by Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006) emphasized the role of implementation intentions in enhancing goal attainment. These specific plans detailing the "when," "where," and "how" of goal execution were found to enhance individuals' commitment to their goals and increase the likelihood of successful goal completion.
The mantra goes like this:
“When I am face with _______, I will do _______.”
This way, it becomes automatic, like a reflex so you don’t have to think about it long enough to talk yourself out of taking the required action.
The Psychology Behind Inaction
Despite the awareness of what is in their best interest, people often struggle with taking action due to various psychological factors. The concept of the "intention-behaviour gap" highlights this phenomenon, where being aware of your intentions does not necessarily translate into corresponding actions. This gap may be because of the following: competing priorities, inadequate self-regulation, and external influences.
Fear of failure is one such psychological factor that frequently impedes action. Research by Elliot and Thrash (2001) suggests that the fear of failing to meet one's own expectations can lead to inaction, as individuals may opt to avoid pursuing goals altogether to evade the discomfort associated with potential failure. Moreover, perfectionism, or the pursuit of unattainable standards, can deter individuals from taking action due to the belief that anything less than perfect is not worthwhile.
Strategies to Overcome the Gap
Several evidence-backed strategies can help you overcome the intention-behaviour gap and move from mere intentions to effective action:
Implementation Intentions: Research by Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006) demonstrates that implementation intentions, which specify the exact details of how, when, and where a goal will be pursued, can significantly increase the likelihood of your goal attainment.
Self-Compassion: A study by Neff (2003) emphasizes the role of self-compassion in facilitating goal pursuit. By replacing self-criticism with self-compassion, you are better able to embrace setbacks as natural parts of the journey and are less likely to be deterred by the fear of failure.
Social Support: The power of social accountability in promoting action is reviewed by Fox (2015). Sharing your intentions with others and seeking support and encouragement from a social network increases your sense of commitment to goals and raises the likelihood of follow-through.
Mindfulness and Visualisation: Mindfulness-based practices can help you become more aware of self-sabotaging thoughts that might have caused the road block. Research by Shapiro et al. (2006) indicates that mindfulness interventions can enhance self-regulation and reduce the impact of negative thought patterns. Additionally, visualization techniques, as supported by research from Cumming and Williams (2013), provide a form of mental rehearsal that can prepare you for successful goal pursuit.
Final Thoughts…
In wrapping up, we've explored the significance of action intentions in achieving vitality and meaningful work. We are aware that action intentions are pivotal in guiding behaviour towards achieving goals and fostering well-being in the context of meaningful work. Psychological barriers to action can be addressed using evidence-based strategies like implementation intentions, self-compassion, social support, mindfulness, and visualisation. By understanding and applying these strategies, we can overcome the intention-behaviour gap and turn our aspirations into tangible achievements.
By cultivating clear action intentions, understanding psychological barriers, and implementing these strategies, we can bridge the gap and move closer to our goals.
References:
Gollwitzer, P. M. and Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: a meta‐analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 69-119
Elliot, A. J., & Thrash, T. M. (2001). Achievement goals and the hierarchical model of achievement motivation. Educational Psychology Review, 13(2).
Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223-250.
Fox, J.A. (2015). Social Accountability: What Does the Evidence Really Say? World Development. 72.
Cumming J., & Williams, S.E. (2013). Introducing the revised applied model of deliberate imagery use for sport, dance, exercise, and rehabilitation. Mov Sport Sci/Sci Mot. 82.