Notices and internal representations of action plans and the personal factors affecting their realization

Abstract

Notices for opportune retrieval, internal representations of plans during retention, and the personal factors influencing the execution of planned actions are discussed in this study. Plans must be composed so that they can be implemented at appropriate times and situations in individuals’ daily lives while considering perceptual factors that are important for accomplishing them. For the remembering processes, we discussed spontaneous remembering, which is unique for prospective memory. Topics for the execution of planned actions, which have been discussed in relation to intention, were reconsidered as memory for future plans. For the retention processes, we discussed the activation of intention (i.e., prospective memory). Furthermore, we reviewed this process from the perspective of planning. Finally, we discussed personal traits for the execution of plans because implementation depends on personal traits such as thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Understanding the mechanism of the daily execution of planned actions by focusing on notices, internal representations, and personal factors may mitigate the chances of forgetting and/or the failure of plans, and facilitate the development of useful strategies, based on emotional situations. It can promote an active daily life driven by self-efficacy.