Anleitung zur Selbstüberlistung (Guide to Self-Deception) by Christian Rieck – Highlights

This book, Anleitung zur Selbstüberlistung (Guide to Self-Deception) by Christian Rieck, explores the concept of time inconsistency and how it affects our decisions. Rieck posits that we have multiple „agents“ within us, each with their own short-term goals, and a „director“ who seeks long-term optimization. He argues that the key to overcoming procrastination lies in understanding and manipulating these agents using game mechanics and self-deception techniques. The book examines strategies such as the deadline sprint, flow rewards, and nudging to encourage agents to act in alignment with the director’s goals. By understanding the dynamics between our internal agents and the director, Rieck proposes that we can effectively manage our time and achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives.