stickK Commitment Contracts

Overview

stickK is a commitment contract platform founded by Yale behavioral economists that uses financial stakes, social pressure, and accountability to help users achieve goals. The platform applies research on loss aversion and commitment devices to behavior change.

Features

• Commitment Contracts: Put money on the line for your goals
• Anti-Charity Option: Choose to donate to organizations you hate if you fail
• Referee System: Designate someone to verify your progress
• Supporter Network: Invite friends to cheer you on
• Weekly Reporting: Regular check-ins on goal progress
• Goal Templates: Pre-designed contracts for common goals
• Custom Goals: Create contracts for any measurable objective
• Mobile App: Track progress and report on the go
• Community: Connect with others pursuing similar goals
• Success Insights: Data on what factors predict goal achievement

How It Works

1. Define Your Goal: Set specific, measurable objectives with timeline
2. Set the Stakes: Choose how much money to commit (optional)
3. Choose Consequences: Donate to charity, anti-charity, or friend if you fail
4. Appoint a Referee: Select someone to verify your progress
5. Report Weekly: Submit evidence of progress each week
6. Complete or Pay: Achieve your goal or face the financial consequences

Key Principles

• Loss Aversion: People work harder to avoid losses than to achieve gains
• Social Pressure: Public commitments and referee oversight increase accountability
• Commitment Devices: Pre-committing to consequences makes following through easier
• Specific Goals: Clear, measurable targets are more achievable

Time Management Applications

• Commit to specific weekly work hours on important projects
• Track consistent use of time blocking or planning practices
• Reduce time spent on specific distracting activities
• Meet project milestones and deadlines
• Establish morning or evening routines

Pricing

Free to use. Users only pay if they fail to meet their commitments.