Remove the friction to keep going (environment engineering)

Duckworth, Gendler & Gross argue that situation selection and situation modification (proactively changing one's environment to weaken a tempting impulse before it arises) are among the most effective self-control tactics precisely because they minimize the in-the-moment willpower struggle. Positions environmental engineering as the earliest, highest-leverage point on the impulse timeline — the exact logic of this method. Theoretical/review paper, not an ADHD trial.

Mertens et al. meta-analyzed 200+ studies of choice-architecture interventions (changing the effort/friction of options in the environment) and found a moderate overall effect on behavior (Cohen's d = 0.43), consistent across domains. Strong evidence that altering environmental friction reliably shifts behavior — but in general populations, not ADHD/autism, and the authors flag publication bias likely inflating the estimate.

Wenzel et al. (experience-sampling/empirical) found that people successful at self-control rely more on preventive situational strategies (situation selection, habit building) and less on effortful inhibition, and that using preventive strategies is associated with weaker desires and lower likelihood of giving in — directly relevant to 'don't fight the impulse, remove the trigger.' General-population sample.

Systematic review of CBT for adult ADHD; CBT protocols routinely include 'environmental restructuring' and antecedent-based strategies (setting up the environment, removing distraction cues) as components, with RCT-level support for the overall package on core ADHD symptoms and functioning. However, the environmental-friction component is never isolated, so the effect cannot be attributed specifically to friction removal.