Chris Lakin: Inner work industry fails to optimize for real results

Chris Lakin's essay on LessWrong critiques the inner work industry for lacking results-driven optimization. He contrasts what practitioners and clients would do if they prioritized lasting outcomes—such as durable recovery from burnout, long-term relationship success, or cessation of coping behaviors—with what they actually do. Lakin analyzed testimonials from three well-known practitioners: only 2 of over 200 described observable life changes. Most testimonials focus on subjective experiences rather than measurable improvements. He also found that practitioners rarely follow up with clients months or years later; one 'life-changing, data-driven' retreat declined an alum's offer to conduct follow-ups. Dozens of coaches had never considered follow-up until Lakin asked.

On the client side, Lakin observes that even wealthy individuals (decamillionaires) choose cheaper practitioners without demanding evidence of results. They avoid asking 'What results can I expect?' or 'How fast?' Instead, they select retreats, workshops, and books based on fun, aesthetics, or social entertainment. Lakin suggests aligning incentives: bounties, equity, or performance bonuses for practitioners, and clients voluntarily paying for results rather than experiences. He concludes by challenging readers to ask how their behavior would differ if they truly optimized for results.