Public preview
Pre-Commitment Device
Lock yourself out of the weak option before you face it — via financial or public stake that's hard to undo.
Goal
Bypass moment-of-truth willpower lapses by using present rational will to bind yourself to the right path.
Steps
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1
Identify a decision you waver on (exercise, diet, quitting habit).
Expected Outcome
Immediate
You feel anxiety drop immediately — the mind knows the decision is "sealed".
Evidence base
School: Behavioral Economics / Commitment Theory
Founders: Thomas Schelling · Dean Karlan (1960)
Coined by Thomas Schelling in "Strategy of Conflict" (1960, Nobel 2005). Dean Karlan founded stickK.com in 2008 to commercialize.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Pre-Commitment Device" take?
This exercise takes about 15 minutes, practiced solo in a Behavioral format.
When will I notice the effect of "Pre-Commitment Device"?
You feel anxiety drop immediately — the mind knows the decision is "sealed". In the short term: Within two weeks, you pass the first weak moment easily thanks to the commitment.
Is "Pre-Commitment Device" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Behavioral Economics / Commitment Theory (Thomas Schelling, Dean Karlan (1960)). Coined by Thomas Schelling in "Strategy of Conflict" (1960, Nobel 2005). Dean Karlan founded stickK.com in 2008 to commercialize.
Is "Pre-Commitment Device" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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