Accountability Makes Habits PainfulWe are always trying to present our best selves to the world.We comb our hair and brush our teeth and dress ourselves carefully because we know these habits are likely to get a positive reaction.We want to get good grades and graduate from top schools to impress potential employers and mates and our friends and family.We care about the opinions of those around us because it helps if others like us.This is precisely why getting an accountability partner or signing a habit contract can work so well.Chapter Summary The inversion of the 4th Law of Behavior Change is make it unsatisfying.We are less likely to repeat a bad habit if it is painful or unsatisfying.An accountability partner can create an immediate cost to inaction.We care deeply about what others think of us, and we do not want others to have a lesser opinion of us.A habit contract can be used to add a social cost to any behavior.It makes the costs of violating your promises public and painful.Knowing that someone else is watching you can be a powerful motivator.