Focus & Habits · 07 of 10
Temptation Bundling
Source: Katherine Milkman, with Julia Minson and Kevin Volpp (Wharton research)
Pair an activity you enjoy with one you tend to avoid, and only allow the enjoyable one while doing the avoided one.
When to use it
Use it when a task is worthwhile but unappealing in the moment.
How to apply it
- List activities you should do but tend to avoid.
- List small pleasures you enjoy, such as a podcast or favourite drink.
- Pair each avoided activity with one pleasure.
- Set a rule that you only enjoy the pleasure during the avoided activity.
- Review after two weeks and swap pairings that are not working.
Tip: Choose a pleasure that does not undermine the task, such as audio for exercise rather than for writing.