For novel goals, generate multiple if-then plans covering…
When forming implementation intentions for novel or complex goals, generate multiple if-then plans covering different potential breakdown contexts rather than relying on a single anticipated trigger, because breakdown patterns in unfamiliar domains cannot be predicted accurately from first principles.
When This Fires
- When starting a goal in an unfamiliar domain where you don't yet know how you'll fail
- When a single implementation intention keeps missing the actual failure mode
- For complex multi-step goals with multiple potential breakdown points
- Complements Maximum 1-3 active implementation intentions at a time… (limit active intentions) with the novel-goal exception
Common Failure Mode
Single-plan reliance for novel behaviors: "If I feel unmotivated, I'll start small." What if the failure isn't motivation but confusion? Or scheduling conflict? Or environmental distraction? A single plan protects one failure mode; the actual failure comes from a different direction entirely.
The Protocol
(1) For novel or complex goals, brainstorm 3-5 plausible breakdown contexts: motivation failure, confusion/stuck, time conflict, environmental distraction, competing priority. (2) For each, write an if-then plan: "If [breakdown context occurs], then I will [specific recovery action]." (3) Keep each if-then plan simple and actionable (Write agent actions as procedures a stranger could follow…). The recovery action must be executable in the breakdown state. (4) After the first 2-4 weeks: review which breakdowns actually occurred. Did your plans cover them? Drop plans for failure modes that don't materialize; add plans for modes that emerged unexpectedly. (5) As the behavior becomes familiar, consolidate to 1-3 plans covering the empirically confirmed breakdown patterns.