Habits
If-Then Mental Rehearsal
If-then mental rehearsal vividly previews cue and action for seconds before the moment—speeding automatic trigger versus writing plans alone.
If-then mental rehearsal is vividly walking through cue and action once before the moment—see the gym door, feel laces, start set one—for five to thirty seconds. Research links rehearsal to faster automatic triggering versus writing plans alone.
Use for high-friction if-thens, not every habit. Rehearse obstacle and coping branches too.
Common questions
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How long should mental rehearsal take?
Five to thirty seconds per plan—enough to see cue and first action, not a full workout fantasy. Daily rehearsal of every habit creates fatigue; use for top friction points.
Related terms
Put If-Then Mental Rehearsal into practice
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