MENTAL MODEL · M0360

Trivial Inconvenience

CreatemediumDesign Thinking

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Even a tiny bit of friction (such as putting a guitar in its case or hiding an app in a folder) can significantly reduce the probability of a behavior occurring, and vice versa.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Environmental restructuring. Do not overestimate your willpower. If you want to break a bad habit, add a small startup cost (such as removing the batteries from the remote control). If you want to cultivate a good habit, eliminate all trivial inconveniences (such as placing your running shoes by the bed).

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Even minimal friction (such as putting a guitar in its case or hiding an app in a folder) can significantly reduce the probability of a behavior, and conversely, reducing friction increases the probability; use environmental restructuring instead of relying on willpower.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

To reduce a behavior, add trivial inconvenience
to increase a behavior, remove friction
place what you want to do within easy reach and what you don't want far away
consistently use environment rather than self-discipline.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
lesswrong.comhttps://www.lesswrong.com/posts/reitXJgJXFzKpdKyd/beware-trivial-inconveniencesZH · Explicit
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