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A tendency to put off unpleasant tasks | Present bias

  • by Loriane Latapie

In our daily lives, we often put off important tasks that are perceived as tedious. This tendency to prioritize immediate satisfaction over future benefits is linked to a well-known cognitive bias: the present bias. In training or in the practice of massage therapy, this bias can influence the way we manage our learning, our practice and our commitment to our clients. This article explores the mechanisms of present bias, its consequences and strategies for coping with it.

Contents:
What is Present Bias?
Mechanisms of Present Bias
Consequences of Present Bias
How to Counter Present Bias?
Conclusion

What is present bias?

The present bias describes our tendency to favor immediate gratification at the expense of future rewards. Rather than perform a task perceived as burdensome, we tend to prefer a more pleasurable activity in the short term. Studies show that people who order their lunch in advance choose healthier food options: sometimes it’s better not to dive into the present craving of hunger.

The mechanisms of present bias

The human brain, designed to maximize short-term well-being, has difficulty resisting immediate temptations. Decisions concerning the choice between immediate and future rewards involve two distinct brain systems: one associated with impulsive decisions, the other with self-control. The brain regions responsible for processing emotions and rewards are much more activated by immediate rewards than by future rewards, even if the latter are more important. As a result, individuals tend to make choices in favor of immediate outcomes.

These brain regions take time to mature, which is why it’s much harder for children to resist an immediate reward. There’s a well-known experiment conducted by Stanford University that tests children’s ability to dilute reward. It’s simple: the child is exposed to a marshmallow, but promised that if he waits for the adult to return, he’ll get two. The older the child, the more able he is to inhibit his irresistible desire for this tempting promise.

The consequences of present-day bias

Present bias can have significant repercussions in everyday and professional life. For example, a massage therapy student might choose to spend the day relaxing instead of preparing for an important project, affecting his or her academic performance. Similarly, a massage therapist might procrastinate on integrating new treatment techniques, preferring familiar methods, which could limit the effectiveness of care and adversely affect client satisfaction. Finally, by not taking the time to regularly evaluate his or her approach, the practitioner risks missing out on professional development opportunities, which may hinder his or her career in the long term.

How can we counter the bias of the present?

There are several strategies for reducing the impact of present bias and improving time management and priorities:

  • Thinking about future impacts: Assessing the specific consequences of future events can stir emotions, making future benefits more tangible and relevant. This helps counter the tendency to ignore the future.
  • Break down big goals and use reminders: Turn big goals into small, achievable steps to make rewards immediate and foster motivation to progress. Set clear deadlines and use reminders to maintain commitment and resist the temptation to procrastinate.
  • Combine effort and reward: Turn tasks into games or combine them with rewards to encourage commitment. For example, a practitioner can motivate himself to follow a training course by giving himself a pleasurable activity once it’s over.
  • Practice self-compassion: Adopt a benevolent attitude towards yourself by recognizing that procrastination is a natural bias. This allows you to develop strategies without excessive guilt, while motivating you to engage in actions that benefit your future.

Conclusion

Present bias is a common obstacle that influences our decision-making and time management. In the context of massage therapy training and practice, it can impact learning, professional commitment and quality of care. By becoming aware of this bias and adopting appropriate strategies, it becomes possible to better manage priorities and optimize professional development.

To remember:

  • Present bias: Tendency to favor immediate pleasures over future benefits.
  • This bias can hinder learning, time management and career progression.
  • Strategies such as planning, task fragmentation and self-compassion can help manage this tendency.
  • Becoming aware of this bias, and doing something about it, helps to improve commitment and the quality of care provided.

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