Stop Procrastinating Today: The Science Behind Commitment Devices That Work

We all struggle with procrastination, the gap between intention and action. One of the most effective ways to close this gap is through commitment devices—tools that limit your future options to prevent succumbing to temptation.

Imagine a savings account where you cannot withdraw money until you reach your goal. Surprisingly, 28% of customers choose such locked accounts, even though they restrict their own freedom. This voluntary constraint helps prevent impulsive spending and boosts savings.

Students who set their own deadlines with penalties for lateness perform better than those with a single final deadline. This self-imposed accountability raises the cost of procrastination and increases motivation.

Commitment devices can be hard (financial penalties, locked accounts) or soft (public pledges, social contracts). Both increase the mental cost of failure and help align your future actions with your current goals.

Recognizing whether you are a 'sophisticate' who anticipates self-control problems or a 'naïf' who overestimates willpower is key to choosing the right commitment strategies.

By designing your environment with commitment devices, you can outsmart your future self and make procrastination a thing of the past.

Next, we’ll look at how forgetfulness sabotages your plans and how reminders and cue-based planning can keep you on track.

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