Ainslie's Law

Ainslie's Law describes how individuals invest less effort in tasks when they know the rewards are delayed, but their motivation increases as the reward gets closer in time. Essentially, immediate rewards feel more compelling, prompting more effort, whereas distant rewards seem less urgent, reducing motivation. This concept helps explain behaviors in areas like exercise, saving money, or studying, where temporary self-control is needed. The law highlights the importance of immediacy in incentives to effectively motivate persistence and effort toward long-term goals.