Thread by @Usherwood

Today's handy concept for Brexit-watchers: implementation intention

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Yes, it's back to the world of psychology for some more tips on how to achieve goals

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The core concept is that by articulating a goal through an 'if-then' plan, you're more likely to achieve that goal

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For those of you lacking a handy psychologist to explain it to you, wikipedia has a little summary: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implement…

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It's really good for health behaviour changes, but it also carries over into other areas, potentially like this

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Not only does it link cues and behaviours, but it also requires reflection and planning, which in turn make the appropriate behaviour seem more manageable and more likely to occur

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Because it's primarily about self-regulation, it's not a means for securing negotiation outcomes per se, but rather a mechanism for helping support yourself through those negotiations

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That might be helpful for those individuals who find themselves in high-stress situations and who need to maintain their focus on securing their objectives

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Imagine a hypothetical meeting of individuals with very different perspectives on what the outcome should be: implementation intentions might help those individuals to maintain a measured focus in the face of challenges to their view

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Of course, that doesn't mean agreement will directly ensue, but it does mean that the ability to keep focused on problem-solving - rather than ad hominem battles - raises the chances of solving that problem

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(I'm assuming here the intention runs on the lines of "if I'm challenged, then I'll not rise to the bait", rather than "..., then I'll hit back harder")

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In short, maybe useful, maybe we'll not find out in a hurry.

/end