MINDSETMonths to result

The Two Decision Makers Framework

Understand the conflict between Sunday Night and Monday Morning

Problem it solves

motivation and self-regulation

Best for

Individuals struggling with motivation and self-regulation

Not ideal for

Those who prefer quick fixes

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework involves understanding the conflict between the 'Sunday Night' and 'Monday Morning' selves, and finding ways to increase the appeal of change or increase the cost of not changing.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Understand the conflict between the 'Sunday Night' and 'Monday Morning' selves
  2. Find ways to increase the appeal of change or increase the cost of not changing
  3. Use precommitment strategies to bind the 'Monday Morning' self to the 'Sunday Night' self's goals

Steps

2 steps
  1. Understand the conflict
    Understand the conflict between the 'Sunday Night' and 'Monday Morning' selves, and the ways in which the 'Monday Morning' self can undermine the 'Sunday Night' self's goals.
    Pro tipUse the 'Sunday Night' and 'Monday Morning' selves framework to understand the conflict
    WarningBe aware of the tendency to underestimate the 'Monday Morning' self's influence
  2. Increase the appeal of change
    Find ways to increase the appeal of change, such as making it social, keeping score, or using gamification.
    Pro tipUse the'make it social' strategy to increase motivation
    WarningBe aware of the potential for overjustification and decreased intrinsic motivation

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Odysseus' sirens

Odysseus tied himself to the mast to resist the sirens' song

OutcomeSuccessful resistance to temptation

Common mistakes

2 traps
Underestimating the 'Monday Morning' self's influence
Failing to understand the ways in which the 'Monday Morning' self can undermine the 'Sunday Night' self's goals
Not using precommitment strategies
Failing to use precommitment strategies to bind the 'Monday Morning' self to the 'Sunday Night' self's goals

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework is illustrated through the story of Odysseus, who tied himself to the mast to resist the sirens' song.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well
Douglas Stone · 2014
Open source →

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