Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the model, its origins and how to use it.
What is the Consequence Horizon Model?
It is a behavioural model that describes when and why people finally act on something they have been avoiding. The core idea is that people change their behaviour when a consequence stops feeling distant and starts feeling real. The model maps the drift before that point, the signs that it is approaching, and what happens after it arrives.
Is it a scientific theory?
It is a practitioner model built from direct observation in enforcement, governance and compliance. It draws on established behavioural research including Prospect Theory, Construal Level Theory and Normalisation of Deviance. It has not been through formal academic peer review. It is published openly so that researchers and practitioners can test it, challenge it and build on it.
How is it different from procrastination?
Procrastination describes the behaviour of delaying. The Consequence Horizon Model describes the mechanism behind it. People do not procrastinate randomly. They delay because the consequence feels distant enough to tolerate. The model explains what keeps the consequence feeling distant (the narrative, information filtering, incentive thresholds) and what causes the shift when it finally collapses into action.
Can you move your own horizon closer?
Yes, and that is one of the practical applications of the model. You cannot eliminate the drift entirely because it is a feature of how humans process distant consequences. But you can shorten it. Naming the narrative, setting external review dates, breaking large actions into smaller steps, and asking someone else to hold you accountable all reduce the psychological distance between knowing and acting.
Does it work for organisations?
Yes. The same pattern shows up at the organisational level, though it tends to be wider and harder to break. Ownership is diluted, narratives are built by committees, and information is filtered through reporting layers. The organisational version of the model is covered in detail on the Organisational Horizon page.
Who is Morgan Sheldon?
Morgan Sheldon developed the model from experience in local government enforcement, governance and compliance. The model grew from observing the same behavioural pattern across different settings: people who had the information, understood the risk, and still did not act until the consequence arrived at their door. Morgan is also the founder of Bot Research.
Can I use the model in my own work?
For academic, educational and non-commercial use, you are free to reference the model with proper attribution. For commercial use in training, consulting, software or published materials, you need a licence. See the Licensing page for details.
Where is the full model explained?
The main model page sets out the core framework including the three zones, the five diagnostic signs, and the behavioural mechanisms at work. The After the Horizon page covers what happens after the consequence lands. The Case Studies page shows the pattern in four worked examples.
Is the Consequence Horizon trademarked?
The term and model are published under Morgan Sheldon's authorship. The intellectual property belongs to the author. Commercial use requires permission. The intent is not to restrict discussion but to prevent the model being repackaged without attribution or used in ways that misrepresent it.
How should I cite the model?
Sheldon, M. (2025). The Consequence Horizon Model. Published at consequencehorizon.com. Full citation guidance is available on the Cite page.
If your question is not covered here, feel free to get in touch.
Morgan Sheldon (2025)