9 min
Hyperbolic Discounting: Why we punish our future selves Choice Hacking
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- Management
Have you ever made a plan to go to the gym first thing in the morning? You had the best intentions the night before, but when the alarm clock went off at 5 am, you found a flimsy excuse to avoid your workout?
It’s not just an early morning gym habit that people have a hard time following through on. It might be saving for retirement or avoiding sugar.
Why is it so hard to do things that we know are good for us in the long run but are uncomfortable in the moment? It’s down to a behavioral science principle known as hyperbolic discounting.
Have you ever made a plan to go to the gym first thing in the morning? You had the best intentions the night before, but when the alarm clock went off at 5 am, you found a flimsy excuse to avoid your workout?
It’s not just an early morning gym habit that people have a hard time following through on. It might be saving for retirement or avoiding sugar.
Why is it so hard to do things that we know are good for us in the long run but are uncomfortable in the moment? It’s down to a behavioral science principle known as hyperbolic discounting.
9 min