Three Thoughts On Measuring
Measuring Gives a View of Reality
Measuring is scary to many and exhilarating to others and I believe both emotional responses come from the same root, the fact that when we measure we get a view of reality. It is easy for many of us to live a life based on anecdotes, assumptions and delayed judgements. When we do not measure we can suspend fact enough so that belief and bias can get enough of a foothold to stick. When we measure we push those things away and have to face a reality based on empirical data and facts. It forces us to engage with a world that has a much more difficult time being excused away.
Measuring Shows How Far is Left to Go
Measuring is also difficult because, when we are faced with the reality of where we are, we are also face with the reality of how far we need to go. Again, this is a scary proposition for many, including myself. Since I have began measuring my health, the road ahead feels much more daunting than a flippant and half hearted “I need to lose some weight” or “Ive got to exercise more.” Now I know exactly how much I have to lose and what eating and exercise habits it will take to get there. When we measure and are honest with ourselves, we are give a true picture of what it is going to take to do the thing we need to do. But we cannot stop there…
Measuring Tells How Far We Have Come
Finally when we measure we get to celebrate because we get to know how far we have come. Whether it is weight loss, quality time spent with family or even how many years someone has been sober, measuring gives us the ability to track progress. It is important to remember that if we make a little progress each day we are winning. Steps in the right direction each day is always a positive, no judgement, just progress towards our goals. Each day, Just doing the next right thing, taking the next step, pushing forward.
Today I weigh 226lbs. I want to hit 200 by January 11, 2019. Today I have to make the right choices, one at a time to move towards my goal. One choice at a time, one day at a time…