Revisiting a Classic: Temptation Bundling

For those of us who struggle with routines, a predictable schedule is essential to staying on track. As someone who is easily distracted and heavily influenced by their environment, I’ve found that a consistent routine gives me the best chance to stay productive while being human.

A Disastrous Human’s Routines

Unfortunately, when I’m traveling, things tend to slip through the cracks. I recently found myself falling behind on my nerd duties, including catching up on the latest episodes of House of the Dragon and my favorite podcasts.

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I knew I needed to find a way to get back on track, but it wasn’t easy. I knew that exercise was essential for my mental and physical well-being, but it was hard to prioritize it when I was busy catching up on TV shows and podcasts.

Temptation Bundling: A Game-Changer

That’s when I remembered a technique I had learned about years ago called Temptation Bundling. It’s a simple yet powerful concept: combining two activities that you need to do with one that you want to do.

For example, listening to your favorite audiobook or podcast while exercising can make the time go by faster and make the experience more enjoyable. This is because you’re using the time you spend exercising as a reward for yourself, rather than a chore.

Professor Katy Milkman ran an experiment to test the effectiveness of Temptation Bundling, and the results were impressive. People who were told they could only listen to addictive audiobooks while working out visited the gym 51% more frequently than those who were simply told to exercise more.

Putting Temptation Bundling into Practice

I decided to put Temptation Bundling into practice by combining my exercise routine with my desire to catch up on TV shows and podcasts. I told myself that I could only watch House of the Dragon while walking, and that the more time I spent at the gym, the more of my podcasts I could get through.

This approach was incredibly effective. I found myself jumping rope a few extra minutes to finish a podcast episode, going to the gym an extra day for mobility work, and walking an extra mile on the treadmill just to see the end of an episode.

The Power of Temptation Bundling

Temptation Bundling is a simple yet powerful technique that can help you stay motivated and on track. By combining activities that you need to do with ones that you want to do, you can make the experience more enjoyable and increase your productivity.

Conclusion

Temptation Bundling is a classic technique that can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you’re trying to get fit, stay motivated, or simply stay on track, Temptation Bundling can be a game-changer. By combining activities that you need to do with ones that you want to do, you can make the experience more enjoyable and increase your productivity.

FAQs

Q: What is Temptation Bundling?
A: Temptation Bundling is a technique that combines two activities: one that you need to do and one that you want to do.

Q: How does Temptation Bundling work?
A: By combining activities that you need to do with ones that you want to do, Temptation Bundling makes the experience more enjoyable and increases motivation.

Q: What are some examples of Temptation Bundling?
A: Examples of Temptation Bundling include listening to a podcast while exercising, reading a book while commuting, or watching a TV show while doing household chores.

Q: How can I apply Temptation Bundling to my daily life?
A: Start by identifying activities that you need to do and ones that you want to do. Then, find ways to combine them, such as listening to music while doing chores or taking a walk while talking on the phone.