Eckhart TolleNYT Bestselling author of the Power of Now

Eckhart Tolle on Why Achieving Your Goal Is Not the Point

11 Mar 2026 · 1 min

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1:18

In this brief monologue, Eckhart Tolle argues that the true value lies not in achieving external goals but in being fully present in each moment of everyday activity. He illustrates this with the example of aspiring actors in Los Angeles who work as restaurant staff; whether they eventually land acting roles or not, the act of placing a plate or serving a glass of water with full awareness constitutes awakening. Tolle suggests that presence enhances the quality of one’s actions, making success more likely, while the failure to achieve a goal does not equate to a failed life. The central message is that awakening through present‑moment awareness renders the outcome—act or not—irrelevant.

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Being present in what you do enhances the power and quality of your doing, so you're more likely to achieve your goal. You can move to Los Angeles because you want to be a great actor, but, well, most people don't achieve their goal. Does that mean their life has failed? No. The goal was a little bit absurd to begin with, as many goals are. But perhaps they learned to be present. Perhaps they learned to be present while they were waiting in a restaurant, because most waiters and waitresses in Los Angeles restaurants are actors out of work. So they have a goal, some achieve it, most don't, it's irrelevant. Perhaps they awaken in the restaurant when they put the plate on the customer's table, and they put it down—present. Is there anything else I can do for you? Present. Yes, I'd like a glass of water. Right. Present, every step. Awakening happens, act or not becomes irrelevant.