Overview
stickK is an online platform that enables individuals to create “commitment contracts” designed to help them achieve personal goals. The service operates on the principle that people are more likely to follow through on objectives when they have a financial stake, a designated referee, or a charitable component tied to the outcome. Users set a goal, define a target date, and specify a monetary “stake” that will be forfeited if the goal is not met. The platform then monitors progress, often with the assistance of a third‑party referee, and distributes the forfeited funds according to the user’s predefined choices (e.g., to a chosen charity, a friend, or a “anti‑charity” that opposes the user’s goal).
History
stickK was launched in 2009. The service was developed by a team of scholars and entrepreneurs associated with Yale University, including behavioral economist Dan Ariely, who is noted for his research on self‑control and incentive structures. The platform emerged from academic interest in commitment devices and was later commercialized as a for‑profit venture. In subsequent years, stickK expanded its user base internationally and introduced additional features such as public goal sharing, “coach” services, and corporate wellness programs.
Mechanics of a Commitment Contract
A typical stickK contract includes the following elements:
- Goal Definition – The user specifies a measurable objective (e.g., “run 5 km three times per week”).
- Stake Amount – The user deposits a sum of money that will be at risk if the goal is not achieved.
- Referee Selection – An appointed referee (a friend, family member, or professional) verifies whether the goal has been met.
- Outcome Destination – The user chooses where the forfeited stake will go: a charity of their choice, a friend, an “anti‑charity” that supports the opposite of the goal, or a personal account.
- Tracking & Reporting – Progress may be logged manually, through integrated fitness trackers, or via third‑party verification services.
If the user meets the goal by the deadline, the stake is returned; otherwise, the stake is transferred according to the predetermined destination.
Applications and Impact
stickK has been employed for a wide range of personal development aims, including health‑related objectives (weight loss, exercise), financial goals (saving money, paying down debt), academic pursuits (studying for exams), and habit formation (quitting smoking, reducing screen time). Corporate clients have also used the platform to promote employee wellness and productivity through incentive‑based programs.
Research on commitment contracts, including studies that have used stickK as a testbed, suggests that monetary stakes and third‑party verification can increase goal attainment rates compared with unenforced intentions. However, effectiveness varies based on individual differences, the size of the stake, and the nature of the goal.
Business Model
stickK generates revenue primarily through transaction fees charged on the stakes deposited in commitment contracts. Additional revenue streams include premium subscription features, corporate wellness licensing, and partnership arrangements with health‑related services.
Reception and Criticism
The platform has been praised for translating behavioral‑economic theory into a practical tool for self‑improvement. Critics have highlighted potential drawbacks, such as the risk of users losing money without sufficient support structures, and concerns about the adequacy of verification processes for certain types of goals.
See also
- Commitment device
- Behavioral economics
- Self‑control theory
- Goal‑setting theory
References
(Encyclopedic entries typically list sources; however, in this summary the information is drawn from publicly available descriptions of stickK, academic literature on commitment contracts, and reputable news coverage of the service.)