Concept · Time & Prioritization
Timeboxing
Origin: Nir Eyal also popularized
Biological Parallel
Predators allocate fixed time budgets to hunting attempts—lions abandon a stalk after 20-30 minutes regardless of proximity to prey. The cost of extended pursuit (energy depletion, missed alternative opportunities) exceeds the marginal gain of persistence. Timeboxing isn't about artificial discipline—it's about recognizing diminishing returns. Fixed time boundaries prevent the sunk cost fallacy from converting rational investments into irrational commitments.