Archive for the ‘Commitment Bonds’ Category

For Better Behavior, a HealthyWage

Julie Adelsberger — Senior Manager; Express Scripts — As senior manager of knowledge management, Julie Adelsberger is responsible for translating scientific research into accessible communications for plan sponsors and other healthcare stakeholders.

Much like Stickk, HealthyWage.com is a website designed to effect positive health behaviors.  Unlike Stickk, the basic form of HealthyWage doesn’t rely on loss aversion.  Instead, it pays users (with money from corporate sponsors and advertising) when they achieve healthy behaviors.  It also provides support through social networking and educational materials. 

 

However, users can choose to take advantage of the benefits of loss aversion and “SuperSize” their reward amounts, putting some of their own money at risk.

 

To check out the website, click here.

Stickk: The Home Game

Julie Adelsberger — Senior Manager; Express Scripts — As senior manager of knowledge management, Julie Adelsberger is responsible for translating scientific research into accessible communications for plan sponsors and other healthcare stakeholders.

We’ve discussed Stickk.com’s unique approach to battling procrastination before. The idea intrigued me enough that I entered into my own commitment bond with -– who else? -– my wife. Check out this ironclad contract:

I, Eric Ferguson, in the interest of not becoming a “Biggest Loser” candidate and maybe even getting totally buff and stuff, do hereby resolve to achieve the following goals in 2010:

  • Run at least 15 miles each week
  • Complete at least four weightlifting workouts each week
  • Consume 2,500 or fewer calories six days a week, with the seventh day constituting a “free day”

To track my progress, I will keep a journal and obtain verification from an impartial third party for each workout. If I fail to meet any of these goals in a given week, I shall pay $20 to Jill Ferguson, who likely will use this money to buy something really lame, such as new washcloths or a Tori Amos album.

Signed,
Eric Ferguson

I’ll keep you apprised of my progress, but I really must be going. I’ve got some miles to run.

My wife has enough Tori Amos records already.