Precommitment
Bind future behavior to overcome present bias.
Explanation
In Homer's Odyssey, Ulysses knew he would be tempted by the sirens' song, so he had his crew tie him to the mast ahead of time. This is the idea behind precommitment: setting up systems now that will guide your behavior later when you're in a different emotional state or facing temptation. It's about recognizing that future-you might make different choices than current-you wants.
Real-World Example
Want to save? Automatic transfer day after paycheck—never see the money. Want to exercise? Prepay trainer—loss aversion forces attendance. Stop procrastinating? Tell everyone your deadline—social pressure ensures delivery. Diet? Don't buy junk food—can't eat what's not there.
How to Apply
Identify where future-you fails. Create physical/social/financial constraints. Make good behavior default (opt-out, not opt-in). Add friction to bad choices. Use loss aversion: pay upfront. Use social pressure: public commitments. Remember: willpower is finite, systems are infinite.