Commitment Device
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A choice made in the present that restricts future freedom of choice, forcing one's future self to execute rational decisions by increasing the cost of breaking the commitment.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Outsourcing willpower. Don't trust your future willpower. If you want to lose weight, don't just swear an oath; instead, give a sum of money to a friend and agree, "If I don't exercise this week, this money will be donated to an organization I dislike."
Anchor fast decisions
By pre-setting an irreversible cost (the cost of breaking the commitment), it removes the option for the future self to "back out," replacing unreliable willpower with external constraints, thereby locking in rational behavior.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commitment_deviceverified
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