In the real world, there is work—stuff that you have to get done. In theory world, there are goals. Work is ahead of you; goals are behind you—they’re your rear-view mirror. Work is specific and detailed; goals are abstract. Work changes fast; goals change slowly, or not at all. Work makes you feel like you have agency; goals make you feel like a cog in a machine. Work makes you feel trusted; goals make you feel distrusted. Work is work; goals aren’t. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Goals can be a force for good.
