Put something at stake

Studies (3)

1. 24 Oct 2026Paper

   Resilience lessons for young pupils: results on putting things off conflict
   TestedMixed

   Pupils in group lessons on breaking work into steps and goal promises put things off less, but the numbers conflict.

   Randomised trial of 100 fourth-grade pupils in Egypt · vs pupils who got no lessons · they rated themselves · ⚠ numbers unreliable; summary claims more than the results show

2. 24 Oct 2026Paper

   Higher peak power prices cut home use more than asking people to save
   TestedHelped

   A higher price at peak hours cut home use by about 16% against homes with a screen, and barely faded.

   Trial in households near Kyoto, Japan · vs homes with only a power-use screen · behaviour was recorded

3. 24 Oct 2026Paper

   A 20-week starting choice led to more good exercise weeks than 8 weeks
   UsedHelped

   People first shown a 20-week contract had more good exercise weeks than those shown 8 weeks: about 4, against 3.

   Large randomised trial of 8,809 adults who set up an online exercise contract · vs people first shown an 8-week contract · they rated themselves · ⚠ not yet checked by other scientists; summary claims more than the results show; numbers unreliable

Often used with it

• 

  Rule · how much4

  Commit for a longer stretch

  Choose a longer commitment period, e.g. a 20-week rather than an 8-week contract.

• 

  Action

  Cut household energy use

  Use less electricity at home, especially at peak times.

• 

  Action

  Exercise

  Physical activity or exercise in general.

• 

  Rule · with whom

  Practise with a group

  Group sessions or group practice.

• 

  Action5

  Set a specific goal

  Choose a concrete goal or target to reach.

• 

  Action3

  Split a big task into pieces

  Break a task or project into smaller sub-tasks or steps.