Lynda Moore suggests ways you can overcome the gap between intention and action with five practical tactics

Every day when I get back from my morning walk with Jett (my now eight-month-old labrador puppy), I hang up his lead and the kettle bell stares back at me. It had been in the garage for the last six months, so I think I’ve done well moving it out of there into the laundry, at least I now see it every day, but… have I lifted it to do a kettle bell swing or squat?  No!  Am I likely to?  Probably not.

Why is this?

It’s the intention behaviour gap in action.

I have every intention to do some kettle bell exercises after my walk, but my behaviours are saying the opposite.  There are so many reasons to not do it.  “Jett had too many sniffing stops, and I’m running behind on my day already’”. “I woke up with a sore back, so I probably should rest it”. I don’t think I need to go on, as I’m sure by now you are thinking of your own intention behaviour gap and lack of action.

The intention-behaviour gap doesn’t just happen around exercise, it happens with our money too (and every other area of life).

“I need to save for the holidays, so no more takeout coffee until December,” you declare with determination in October. Fast forward a few days, and there you are, mocha in hand, telling yourself, “I’ll start saving tomorrow.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

One of the biggest challenges with saving is the gap between intention and action. While many people say they’re willing to sacrifice comforts like coffee or internet time to save, studies show that reality doesn’t always match the plan. Our good intentions often struggle to hold up against daily temptations. 

So how can you make holiday (or any other) savings more sustainable without feeling deprived? Here are five practical strategies to help you reach your goal:

1. Start Small and Be Realistic 
If you typically buy a coffee every day, try reducing it to three times a week instead of cutting it out entirely. It may seem like a small change, but the goal is to develop the habit of saving. Be sure to transfer that saved amount to your holiday (savings) fund, so it doesn’t get absorbed into other expenses.

2. Automate Your Savings
Set up automatic transfers into a separate savings account dedicated to what you are saving for.  Don’t forget to give the account a nickname that relates to your end goal.   You can also ask your employer to direct a portion of your wages into that account. Whenever you get a raise, increase the transfer amount—it’s a painless way to grow your savings over time.

3. Keep Your Goal in Sight
Saving becomes more enjoyable when you focus on the outcome. For example, keep reminders of your holiday plans—whether it’s photos of gifts, places you want to visit, or festive events. Each time you save instead of spending, you’re one step closer to a joyful holiday season. This is where vision boards can be a great tool, if you aren’t visual, what else will motivate you?

4. Pause Before You Spend
Next time you feel tempted to make an impulse purchase, stop and ask yourself: Do I really need this? Could I find a cheaper alternative or skip it altogether? If you decide to pass on the purchase, transfer that amount into your savings. These small wins can add up quickly.

Count to 10 before you pull out your wallet to let your rational brain catch up with your emotions.

What emotional state are you in?  Our emotions impact how we spend, so if you are grumpy, guilty, sad or in an Í deserve it” mood, stop. Think of three things you are grateful for; this will help reduce the urge to splurge.

5. Plan, but Stay Flexible
Know your income, expenses, and how much you need for what you want. If the numbers don’t align, look for small sacrifices to free up cash. However, avoid cutting out everything all at once—overly strict budgets are hard to stick with. What we deny ourselves, we are drawn to even more.  Be kind to yourself, and if you need guidance, consider working with a financial mentor.

Saving for whatever you want doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy—it’s about balancing indulgence and discipline. Small changes now can make a big difference later.

Back to my kettle bell.  Maybe I should just sell it and go back to the gym.  Or it could be a really good doorstop!

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.