The Case Against Goals: Nathan Crockett, PhD Highlights Process Over Outcomes

In a recent LinkedIn post, Nathan Crockett, PhD discusses a compelling perspective on goal-setting, drawing from an article by Chelsea Debrot. Crockett shares Debrot’s argument that focusing on external goals can be counterproductive, advocating instead for a deep immersion in the process itself. As Nathan Crockett, PhD notes, the core idea is a shift away from specific targets:

I don’t have specific book targets, sales numbers, financial goals, or follower milestones. […] For me, the joy lies in the activities themselves—running, swimming, and writing are the victories.

Crockett elaborates on this philosophy, emphasizing the element of control that process-oriented work offers. He posits that external goals are often subject to factors outside of an individual’s influence, making them unreliable benchmarks for success. In contrast, focusing on the ‘doing’ allows for greater agency and intrinsic satisfaction.

The Power of Internal Drive

Nathan Crockett, PhD highlights the importance of internal motivation, quoting Sam Altman to underscore this point. The sentiment shared is that true progress comes from self-competition rather than external comparisons.

Strive to be internally driven. Driven to compete with yourself, not with other people. If you compete with other people, you end up in this mimetic trap, and you sort of play this tournament. Even if you ‘win’, you lose. But if you’re competing with yourself, and all you’re trying to do is be the best possible version you can—there’s no limit to how far that can drive someone to perform.

According to Nathan Crockett, PhD, this internal drive is crucial for sustained effort and personal growth. He suggests that external validation, often sought through goal achievement, can be a distraction from the meaningful work itself.

Redefining Success

The core of Nathan Crockett, PhD’s shared insight is a redefinition of success. It moves beyond arbitrary metrics and external validation towards a more personal and fulfilling measure.

Focusing on Creation and Contribution

Nathan Crockett, PhD argues that success should be measured by one’s ability to create, to help others, and to feel a sense of pride in their efforts, rather than solely by hitting numerical targets. This perspective encourages individuals to find victory in the act of creation and contribution.

The Value of the Journey

As Nathan Crockett, PhD relays from Debrot’s article, the ultimate message is to embrace the journey. The emphasis is on immersing oneself in the daily practices and the work itself, finding fulfillment in the process rather than fixating on a distant outcome.

You don’t have to end up number one in your class. Or win everything, every time. In fact, winning is not particularly important. What matters is that you gave everything, because anything less is to cheat the gift. […] Immerse yourself in the work, in the process, in the daily practices that make up the bulk of your life. Forget goals. Be process oriented. Be internally driven.

Crockett concludes by posing a question to his audience, inviting engagement on this alternative approach to achievement and fulfillment.