How to Do What You Want: Akrasia and Self-Binding (2011)

Re:How to Do What You Want: Akrasia and Self-Binding (2011) by justarandomq on Saturday November 28, 2020 @08:39PM (#25242227)

"do something against your own interests because you can't be trusted"

I really like the idea behind beeminder, as it focuses on discipline/process more than the outcome, but it looks like I could accomplish this with a spreadsheet, reminders, and a 'swear jar' of cash I actually get to keep.

Might work for some people.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How to Do What You Want: Akrasia and Self-Binding (2011) by dreeves on Saturday November 28, 2020 @08:43PM (#25242237)

I don't think the incentives are quite right that way. What motivates you to keep money out of the swear jar?

(It's possible that the tracking alone will be motivating. Some people, for some goals, find that to be the case.)

I'd love to hear how it goes for anyone who sets up a DIY Beeminder!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How to Do What You Want: Akrasia and Self-Binding (2011) by justarandomq on Saturday November 28, 2020 @10:01PM (#25242612)

I'd be motivated by the swear jar & reminders since I (would have) put it there intentionally. But I realize not everyone lives this way and busy life can be distracting.

You're very right it would depend much on the person AND the goal.

The main value I personally see here is the setup. I wouldn't have to set up reminders and tracking manually. I may even learn a new goal I hadn't considered if others share their goals. As long as it doesn't devolve into a perfectionism race to the burnout line.

I hope it results into more a tool for self improvement than yet another business preying on human flaws/needs.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How to Do What You Want: Akrasia and Self-Binding (2011) by dreeves on Saturday November 28, 2020 @10:23PM (#25242698)

You should check out the Beeminder community: http://forum.beeminder.com -- I think it will quickly convince you that we're a Very Serious Tool For Self-Improvement.

[ Parent | on HN ]