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 behaviour change strategy developed by Katherine Milkman: you bundle an "indulgent" activity you enjoy but feel guilty about with a "virtuous" activity you should do but avoid - restricting the indulgence to only occur while the virtuous behaviour is happening. Milkman's research showed that giving people access to audiobooks only while at the gym substantially increased gym attendance. The key mechanism is making the virtuous behaviour a prerequisite for the pleasurable one, not merely combining them.
When it shows up
Before any situation where your preferences will be distorted by emotion, temptation or short-term thinking.
Failure mode
Decisions made by the tempted, tired or emotional future self that the calm, clear present self wouldn't endorse.
Countermeasure
Ask: "What would my calmer, future-oriented self want me to decide right now?" Make that decision binding. Treat it as a message to your future self rather than advice it can ignore.
Related traps
Also connected in the map4 more, locked
Credit & first seen
PopularizedDeveloped and studied by behavioural economist Katherine Milkman; published in Management Science (2014). source ↗
Also revealed
Entry #562 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon