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Choice Removal for Behavior Change

Creating behavior change by eliminating choice and options rather than relying on willpower or motivation

Decision Rule

When trying to establish new habits or eliminate bad ones, design environment to make desired behavior the only available option

How It Works

Reduces decision fatigue and removes temptation by making the environment do the work instead of relying on individual self-control

Failure Modes

Creating too extreme restrictions that lead to rebellion

Not accounting for legitimate exceptions or emergencies

Removing choice without replacing with positive alternatives

Ignoring individual differences in response to restrictions

Example Decision

Instead of trying to convince people to eat healthy through education, Habit Island only stocks healthy food - removing the choice to eat poorly and making healthy eating automatic