Habits Quote by Matthew B. Crawford
““I did not even look at the scoreboard when my routine was done in 1976. My teammates started pointing because there was this uproar" (Nadia Comaneci). These remarks highlight an important feature of those practices that entail skilled and active engagement: one's attention is focused on standards intrinsic to the practice, rather than external goods that may be won through the practice, typically money or recognition. Can this distinction between internal and external goods inform our understanding of work?””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The Soul of a New Machine” (essay), 2005
Focusing on intrinsic standards of a craft fosters deep engagement, while chasing external rewards can dilute mastery.
In simple terms: Mastery comes from internal standards, not trophies.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize intrinsic goals over external validation.
Themes
craftsmanship
motivation
values
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- artistic practice
- sports training
- education
- workplace design
Key Concepts
intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
flow
skill development
Questions to Reflect On
- What internal standards guide your work?
- How can organizations value intrinsic over extrinsic?
A Different Perspective
External rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation if overemphasized.
![“Stripped of the kind of judgments that are at the very heart of the idea of "credit", shot through with bad faith, [the mortgage broker's] work is now predicated on irresponsibility, rooted in the absence of community. Whatever lingering fiduciary consciousness he may have has become a liability…” quote by Matthew B. Crawford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b01/matthew-b-crawford-26537_rest-of-life_stripped-of-the-kind-of-judgments-that-a_1991114.jpg)
