Commitment Devices

Yes, for people who choose them with a clear view of their own weak moments. A locked savings account raised balances by about 81 percentage points after a year among those offered it. But take up is often low: 90 per cent of smokers accepted rewards for quitting, while about 14 per cent put down a deposit, and weak commitments can end in default.

What the report found

1. Many people will pay to bind themselves. In several laboratory and field studies, between a quarter and more than half of people offered a way to restrict their own future choices took it, even though it could only narrow their options.
2. Well designed devices change behaviour. A locked savings account raised balances by about 81 percentage points after a year among those offered it, a quit smoking contract raised the share who passed a test at six and twelve months, and gym only audiobooks raised visits by about half at first.
3. The strongest devices reach the fewest people. When smokers were offered rewards, 90 per cent accepted; when they were asked to put down their own deposit, about 14 per cent did. Among those who would accept either, the deposit worked better.
4. Choosing commitment is not the same as needing it. Several studies find that take up is driven partly by noise and hope, that those with the largest self control problems are not always the ones who commit, and that weak commitments can end in default and loss.
5. The effect is real, and it depends on self knowledge. Commitment devices work best when the person understands their own weak moments, the stake is strong enough, the goal is realistic and the device is freely chosen. For most people, plans that set the better path in advance reach further.

What is inside

1. The idea and where it came from
2. The original studies, explained
3. What happened when others tested it
4. Where researchers disagree
5. What we can say with confidence

Plus a timeline of the key studies, two debates set out side by side and a table grading each common claim.

Who it is for

For employers, pension and savings teams, health and fitness services, teachers, product designers, and anyone whose plans for next week keep giving way when next week arrives.

How we work

Evidence Reviews follow one well known idea from its origin to today: the original studies, what happened when others tested them, where researchers disagree and what we can say with confidence. Every claim is graded, and both sides of each debate are set out before we say where we stand.

Cite this report

The Why We Project (2026) Commitment Devices: Binding your future self. Evidence Review No. 17. Dubai: Why We Tech Ltd. Available at: thewhyweproject.com