When people encounter problems in translating their goals into action in the sense of falling prey to unwanted thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, they may strategically call on automatic processes in an attempt to shield ongoing goal pursuit from unwanted intrusions.  This can be achieved by making plans in the form of implementation intentions that link anticipated critical situations to the inhibition ("If the critical situation x arises, I will ignore it!") or suppression of unwanted responses ("If the Critical situation x arises, I will suppress the unwanted responses y!").  Alternatively, implementation intentions may focus on strengthening the initiation if the actually wanted thoughts, feelings, and actions ("If the critical situation arises, I will perform the goal directed response y!").  A program of research demonstrates that implementation intentions protect ongoing goal pursuits (in the realm of interpersonal goals, achievement goals, and health goals) from unwanted intrusions, and it reveals the underlying processes.