Precommitment is a self-imposed constraint to limit future choices. Which of the following is an example of a precommitment strategy?

Precommitment is a self-imposed constraint to limit future choices. Which of the following is an example of a precommitment strategy?

• A. Locking away tempting items to remove access.
• B. Relying on willpower in the moment.
• C. Waiting until after the temptation passes to decide.
• D. Ignoring temptations and hoping for the best.

Answer: (A)

Precommitment involves creating a self-imposed barrier that restricts future choices to reduce temptation. Locking away tempting items to remove access is a clear example: it changes the environment now so you won’t have the option to give in later, effectively binding you to a planned course of action in advance. The other approaches rely on self-control in the moment, or on postponing the decision or hoping for the best, and do not establish that pre-set constraint. By eliminating the option before the temptation arises, this strategy helps protect behavior from impulse.

Precommitment involves creating a self-imposed barrier that restricts future choices to reduce temptation. Locking away tempting items to remove access is a clear example: it changes the environment now so you won’t have the option to give in later, effectively binding you to a planned course of action in advance. The other approaches rely on self-control in the moment, or on postponing the decision or hoping for the best, and do not establish that pre-set constraint. By eliminating the option before the temptation arises, this strategy helps protect behavior from impulse.