What Is a Commitment Device? (+ Real Examples That Work)
Ever told yourself you'd start a habit “next week” and then… didn’t?
You’re not lazy — you’re just human. Willpower is unreliable, and the best way to beat it is by making failure **painful**.
Enter commitment devices — tools designed to **force you to follow through** by creating real consequences if you fail.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Commitment devices help you **stick to goals** by adding stakes.
- They work by making failure **costly** (money, reputation, or discomfort).
- Apps like FailFund automate this process.
What Is a Commitment Device?
A **commitment device** is a strategy you use to **lock yourself into a decision today** that will make it hard for you to quit in the future.
Economist **Steven Levitt** (*Freakonomics*) describes it as: “a strategy for overcoming your future self’s laziness.”
🔹 Real-Life Commitment Device Examples
1. Money on the Line 💰
Bet $50 you’ll go to the gym 3x a week. If you don’t? You **lose the money**.
2. Public Accountability 📢
Tell your friends or post on social media about your goal. Now, you **can't back out** without looking bad.
3. Pre-Commitment Contracts 📜
Apps like FailFund and Beeminder make you commit **ahead of time** — with real consequences if you fail.
Why Do Commitment Devices Work?
They tap into **loss aversion** — we hate losing **way more** than we enjoy winning.
Even the *threat* of losing money, status, or something valuable is enough to **keep you on track**.
It’s **not** about punishment. It’s about designing **better incentives** for yourself.
⚡ Using FailFund as a Commitment Device
With FailFund, you **set a goal, choose a consequence**, and **track your progress**.
Want an **extra sting**? If you fail, your money **goes to a cause or person you hate**.
Example: Hate Donate Mode
If you REALLY want motivation, pick an **"enemy"** (a person, group, or idea you oppose). Miss your goal? Your money **helps them**.Now you have no excuse to fail.
TL;DR
- **Commitment devices** help you **follow through** on your goals.
- They work by making failure **costly** (money, reputation, discomfort).
- Apps like FailFund automate the process.