Principlev1PR-1531
Design productive defaults around activities…
Design productive defaults around activities that are intrinsically enjoyable rather than merely valuable, because defaults compete with immediately rewarding alternatives when cognitive resources are depleted.
Why This Is a Principle
This principle derives from Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (cognitive resources deplete), Behavior follows the path of least resistance due… (path of least resistance), and The three basic psychological needs are autonomy… (intrinsic motivation from autonomy/competence/relatedness). It prescribes selecting for intrinsic reward because that's what survives the competition when willpower is unavailable.