The tyranny of targets

By Tim Harford

Category: LifestylePersonal Development

Tags: Productivity · Goals · Mindset

A running watch taught me a lesson about the tyranny of targets. I use C Thi Nguyen's The Score and my fitness-tracking watch to show how quantified metrics warp judgment and lead to value capture. I explain Goodhart and Campbell, and the four features of quantification: portability, accessibility, interchangeability and coordination.

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Rolly's Take

For the seeker who questions the relentless pursuit of quantifiable success. This blog navigates the tension between ambition and authenticity, unraveling how metrics can distort our true values and intentions. Here, the journey to personal growth transcends mere numbers, inviting a deeper reflection on what truly matters.