Part 4/8:
In 2008, while managing a demanding job, the speaker found themselves struggling with fitness despite possessing knowledge on nutrition and an expensive gym membership. To break this cycle, they devised a commitment contract with themselves. The contract stipulated gym attendance four times a week, with a consequence: for every missed workout, they would donate $100 to a political party they disliked.
This strategy proved effective, as the aversion to donating money to an undesired cause created enough motivation to stick to the commitment. The underlying principle here is self-imposed consequence—a behavioral tactic that can push one to take action where willpower alone may falter.