This is a Lexicon entry: the mechanism, when it shows up, and the countermeasure. The full correction, with real-world cases and the audit prompt, hasn't been written yet.
Definition
A behavioural technique in which an activity that is inherently aversive or neutral is made sustainable by pairing it with a rewarding stimulus - either during the activity (temptation bundling) or immediately after. Exercise paired with an audiobook. A difficult phone call followed immediately by a pleasure. The reward does not need to be directly related to the task; it only needs to be temporally contiguous. Over time, the neutral activity may acquire positive associations through classical conditioning.
When it shows up
When an immediate reward is available that conflicts with a larger future reward.
Failure mode
Systematic underinvestment in the future. The classic failure mode of modern consumerism: immediate gratification at the cost of long-term wellbeing.
Countermeasure
Practise tolerating the discomfort of waiting for the larger reward. Build the capacity for delay as a skill. Use commitment devices to make immediate rewards unavailable.
Related concepts
Also connected in the mapHabit Loop Effect·Temptation Bundling
Origin
Also revealed
Entry #556 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon