Commitment Bias: Why We Double Down on Bad Choices

Learn why commitment bias makes us stick to bad decisions and how to flip it to your advantage in work, business, and life.


Hey SimplVest Crew,

Have you ever felt stuck in a bad decision just because you didn’t want to admit you were wrong? Yeah, same here.

Like when I spent six months clinging to a Prime Video subscription I barely used, just because I’d told myself it was worth the money. Ridiculous, right? But it felt easier to stick with the decision than to cancel and admit it wasn’t working out. 

I’ll give you another example you might relate even better to:

You know that thing we do where you keep watching a terrible movie just because you have already made it halfway through? Or stick with a project—one you knew was going south—just because you didn’t want to “waste” all the time you already spent on it? Maybe even a relationship you already clocked wasn’t going anywhere, but you decide to hang on just because of all the effort you’ve put in beforehand and to be fair, nothing dey streets.

Turns out, there’s a name for this: Commitment Bias.

It’s the reason we stick to decisions—even when they’re clearly not working—because we feel the need to stay consistent with our past actions, especially ones we’ve made publicly. Also, because admitting we were wrong feels worse than doubling down.

But here’s the thing: once you understand how this bias works, you can use it to your advantage—in your career, business, or even daily life.

Here’s how:


But first… What Is Commitment Bias?

Commitment bias is our tendency to stick to decisions or behaviors—even when they don’t serve us anymore—because we feel emotionally or socially tied to them.

And it’s not just about the effort you’ve put in. It’s also about your self-image. If you’ve made a choice publicly, reversing course feels like admitting failure.

Example:
A hiring manager brings in a new recruit and praises them to the whole team. But when it becomes clear the hire isn’t a good fit, they refuse to cut ties. Why? Because admitting they were wrong feels worse than keeping the hire.

Sound familiar?

The good news is you can flip the script. Commitment bias can be a tool—not a trap.


3 Ways to Use Commitment Bias to Your Advantage

1️⃣ Start Small, Then Build Momentum

People (including you!) are likelier to follow through on something big if they’ve already said “yes” to something small.

This is the psychology behind things like:

  • Asking someone for a small favor before requesting a bigger one.
  • Starting a habit by committing to just 5 minutes a day (e.g., “I’ll do one push-up”).
  • Asking a new customer to sign up for a free trial before suggesting a purchase.

Momentum matters. You’re more likely to take the next step once you’ve committed to the first step.

How to use this:

  • Want to start a new habit? Set the smallest, easiest goal first (e.g., flossing one tooth).
  • Trying to get a buy-in from someone? Get them to agree to something simple before pitching your bigger idea.

2️⃣ Align with Values

Commitment bias is strongest when it’s tied to identity. People want to act consistently with who they think they are—or who they want to be.

Example:
Say you’ve always identified as a “loyal friend.” If someone asks you for help, you’re more likely to say yes—even if it’s inconvenient—because it aligns with how you see yourself.

In business or career, this works, too. Frame requests or decisions that appeal to someone’s identity or values. For instance:

  • Asking a teammate to tackle a tough project? Show how it aligns with their reputation as a problem-solver.
  • Running a business? Highlight how your product or service aligns with your customers’ values (e.g., “By buying this, you’re supporting sustainability”).

How to use this:

  • Reflect on your own values and align decisions with who you want to be.
  • When persuading others, tie your request to something they care about deeply.

3️⃣ Reward Consistency

Once people commit to something, they want to keep proving they made the right choice. You can reinforce this by rewarding consistency.

Think about loyalty programs, gamification, or even just public acknowledgment. These small rewards keep people engaged—and deepen their commitment.

Examples:

  • Building a habit? Track your progress visually (like checking off a habit tracker).
  • Leading a team? Recognize employees for their ongoing contributions to foster loyalty.
  • Running a business? Offer perks for repeat customers (discounts, exclusive content, or upgrades).

How to use this:

  • Reward yourself for sticking to a commitment, no matter how small (e.g., treat yourself after completing a workout streak).
  • Encourage consistency in others by celebrating milestones and progress.

Looking for Remote Work?

We’ve rounded up 10 platforms to help you find top remote, hybrid, or freelance opportunities. Whether you’re a digital nomad, tech professional, or just hunting for flexible options, these sites have you covered:

  1. JustRemote – Focused on high-paying remote and hybrid roles.
  2. Wellfound by AngelList – Startup and tech jobs (no cover letter needed).
  3. Working Nomads – Specifically for remote digital nomads.
  4. Remote – Global job postings across industries.
  5. oDesk Work – Ideal for freelancers and project-based roles.
  6. Job Board Search – Browse remote jobs in over 200 categories.
  7. JS Remotely – Specializes in remote JavaScript jobs.
  8. Remote.co – Curated list of local and global remote opportunities.
  9. Remote OK – Find remote jobs in tech, design, and more.
  10. Himalayas – Explore 100+ categories of remote work.

Pro Tip: Before you apply, check out our spotlight article below⬇️. It’s packed with insider advice to help you ace your [tech] job search.


💡Spotlight: Tech Job Secrets: Insider Tips from a Big-Time Recruiter

Ever wonder what really goes on during hiring decisions? Or how recruiters decide who gets the offer—and who doesn’t?

Check out our latest blog post: “Tech Job Secrets: Insider Tips from a Big-Time Recruiter.”

You’ll learn:

  • How to negotiate salary without lowballing yourself.
  • What recruiters look for on LinkedIn (and what turns them off).
  • Why some candidates make the cut—and others don’t.

👉 Read the full article here


That’s all for now.

Next time you find yourself sticking to something just because you’ve already started, ask yourself: is this commitment helping or holding me back?

And if you want to turn commitment bias into your secret weapon, try one of the strategies above.

Catch you next time,
Dami from SimplVest 🚀

P.S. Hit reply and let us know: What’s one decision you know you should’ve walked away from but didn’t? We listen, we don’t judge…

Related Posts

error: Content is protected !!