Having backup plans may decrease motivation towards primary goals.
Presence of safety nets can lead to increased risk-taking behavior.
Deep dives
The Downside of Having Backup Plans
Having backup plans may lead to less motivation in pursuing primary goals as knowing there is a safety net can result in decreased effort towards the main objective. Research by Katy Milkman discovered that individuals with backup plans were less focused and driven towards their primary goals, as they felt comfortable with the alternative options available to them.
The Impact of Backup Plans on Decision-Making
Katy Milkman's study demonstrated that individuals who had considered backup plans performed significantly worse on assigned tasks compared to those who had not. Test participants who thought about alternative ways to save time worked less diligently and achieved fewer successes. This finding highlights the potential negative impact of backup plans on decision-making and goal pursuit.
Moral Hazard and Risk-Taking Behavior
Research on moral hazard indicated that the presence of safety nets, such as backup plans, can lead individuals to take greater risks, assuming they are protected from failure. References to God and similar protective beliefs were found to influence individuals to engage in more significant risks, particularly in physical activities. The study suggested that relying too heavily on safety nets may result in reduced personal responsibility and increased risk-taking behavior.
This week on Hidden Brain, researcher Katy Milkman explains why backup plans may make us less motivated, Dan Pink is back to discuss moral hazard, and NPR's Adam Cole ties it all together with a song.
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