What is Temptation Bundling?

Temptation Bundling is a mental model used for better thinking and decision-making.

How do you apply Temptation Bundling?

To apply Temptation Bundling, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Temptation Bundling fall under?

Temptation Bundling falls under the High Performance & Learning category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the High Performance & Learning hub page.

Why is Temptation Bundling important?

Temptation Bundling is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

Where does Temptation Bundling come from?

Temptation Bundling is discussed in the tradition of Katy Milkman.

High Performance & Learning

Temptation Bundling

Model #0768Category: High Performance & LearningSource: Katy MilkmanDepth to apply:

4 min read

Contents

1. Core Idea
2. How to See It
3. How to Use It
4. Founders & Leaders
5. Connected Models
6. One Key Quote
7. Summary & Further Reading

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Section 1

Core Idea

Temptation bundling pairs a behaviour you should do with a behaviour you want to do: only allow yourself the enjoyable activity while performing the important one. The term comes from Katy Milkman's research at Wharton, which showed that people exercised significantly more when they could only listen to addictive audiobooks at the gym. The mechanism is straightforward: it borrows motivation from a high-desire activity and attaches it to a low-desire one. Instead of relying on willpower to do the hard thing, you restructure the choice so the hard thing becomes the gateway to the easy thing.