Commitment Devices

Commitment devices are tools that try to lock future behavior, a way for a motivated ‘present self’ to influence the behavior of a ‘future self’ that may not be as eager to do the behavior.

Applications

• Consider if someone could publicly declare or sign a pledge that they will do something or follow a specific set of policies.

• Consider if there are ways a person can ‘lock’ their behavior, possibly including penalties. For example, there are financial tools that do not allow withdrawal without penalties except in special circumstances.

Considerations

They can have varying strengths. On the stronger side they can include penalties, and on the weaker side they could just be a promise someone makes to themself.