30 Seconds SummarySelf-Licensing: How Good Behavior Leads To Bad Behavior
- Self-licensing is a psychological phenomenon where people justify indulging in negative behaviors by pointing to previous good acts, creating a 'balance sheet mentality'.
- The good behavior often leads to bad behavior, and vice versa, as people strive to maintain a self-perceived equilibrium between their actions.
- This phenomenon is observed in various domains, including consumer choices, moral decisions, and health behaviors, leading to a 'treadmill effect' where gains are cancelled by losses.
- Studies have shown that usage of dietary supplements can lead to reduced exercise and dietary self-regulation due to perceived invulnerability, highlighting a self-licensing effect.
- Self-licensing can also influence eating habits post-exercise, with many justifying cheat meals that potentially negate workout benefits.
- Mobile fitness applications can trigger self-licensing, particularly diet-tracking ones, by making users overly aware of their behaviors which leads to compensatory actions.
- The article suggests combating self-licensing by maintaining structured exercise schedules, using diet as a reward within limits, and tracking meals and workouts thoughtfully.
MennoHenselmans.com
John Fawkes
