Concepts
The irreducible epistemic atoms underlying the curriculum. 4,828 atoms across 8 types
Make implementation intention triggers highly specific…
When using implementation intentions to create behavioral pauses, specify the triggering situation at high detail ('If I receive code review feedback challenging my approach...') rather than generically ('If I get criticism...') to increase cue detectability.
Attach 'When [situation], I will [action]' to every…
Write implementation intentions beneath each written goal using 'When [specific recurring situation], I will [specific first action]' format, specifying concrete triggers rather than time-based or motivation-based conditions.
Agent triggers must be observable or measurable — vague…
Define agent triggers as observable external events or measurable internal states rather than subjective feelings or abstract conditions, because vague triggers cannot be recognized reliably when they occur.
Pre-write responses to 3-5 predicted boundary tests…
When setting a new boundary, predict and document 3-5 specific ways people will test it (who will test, what form tests will take) and pre-write your planned responses before tests arrive, because anticipating tests converts surprise into expected system behavior you've already decided how to handle.
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.
Maximum 1-3 active implementation intentions at a time…
Limit active implementation intentions to 1-3 simultaneously for novel behaviors, adding additional if-then plans only after existing ones have compiled into automatic execution, because cue-accessibility mechanisms have finite attentional capacity.
Pre-script pressure implementation intentions
Before high-stakes interactions where your default pressure response typically fires, pre-script an implementation intention using the format: 'When I notice [specific somatic cue of my default], I will [specific alternative action] before [default response].'
For execution (not coordination), choose task tools…
Choose task management tools that support if-then implementation intentions and context tagging over feature-rich project management tools when your primary need is execution not coordination—simpler tools with behavior-triggering structure beat complex tools optimized for planning.